Rugby Union – Top 14: Why is USAP hiring promising young Englishman Ali Crossdale?

English pronunciation will be heard more and more in the coming days in USAP. Aside from English third-rower Brad Shields, whose arrival was announced a fortnight ago, Perpignan made a new signing on Tuesday. This, again, is a player from Wasps who filed for bankruptcy a few weeks ago, back and winger Ali Crossdale (24 years old, 1.84m 86kg). He scored three tries in sixteen matches last season and was also part of the secondary list of the XV de la Rose team during the last 6 Nations tournament.

“When we analyzed the situation, we realized that there are many levels to strengthen, USAP manager Patrick Arlettaz announces. We did according to our priorities. We don’t know that we don’t have speed and players capable of breaking the line, creating gaps and finishing shots. Ali can make a difference to each other. We were looking for such a player. We watched for a while. I said we will not do it. But he is a top player. On England’s doorstep, trained as wingers and able to play at fullback.”

A finisher profile

The manager should set a concrete example Match against Racing 92 (lost 44-20), last Saturday to explain what he expects from his new recruit. “We broke nine times and they did too. We scored two tries, five of them. It’s hard for us to finish shots. In a very short amount of time, we can put the ball behind the line.”

This choice to strengthen the group was made with a view to having maximum weapons in the maintenance struggle. “At this time, if the club has the right result of sports performance, but economically, we continue to build, that is, we will make an additional recruitment effort. With two international players of the year we are doing today,”, Confirmed on Tuesday François Riviere, president of the USAP.

Both Brad Shields and Ali Crossdale will resume training next Monday after the week off given to players and will apply for the next Top 14 match against Bordeaux at Aimé-Giral on November 26.