BLUES SIGN SAINTSMAN
Stcherbina appeared in all 29 games for the Saints last season. However, Blues travelling fans may well remember him from his time at Biarritz. He was a leading figure for the French side and was at Centre against the Blues at Parc des Sports Aquiléra in the Heineken Cup of 2002/03. Marc began his senior career playing for the Super 12 outfit NSW Waratahs as well as representing Australia A.
“Marc is an excellent acquisition for us, one of the best and most consistent performers in the Zurich Premiership last season,” said Blues Director of Coaching, David Young. “Marc is a versatile mid-field player and consequently we have had to fight off stiff competition from a number of other clubs to capture his signature.”
His sentiments were backed up by Blues Chief Executive, Robert Norster who said: “We look forward to welcoming Marc to the Arms Park as a proven and consistent performer at the highest level. He is an ideal addition to our regional team bringing, as he does, such experience and guile that will enhance the growing quality and strength of the squad.”
Stcherbina comes to the Arms Park despite signing a new two-year deal with Northampton at the end of last season. Premier Rugby rules stipulate that only one overseas player is allowed on the pitch in a team at any time during a game. The signing of fly-half Carlos Spencer to replace the outgoing Shane Drahm meant there would be two overseas players in the squad. In simple terms, the rule means Spencer and Stcherbina would not be able to play at the same time.
Saints Head coach Budge Pountney said: “The club is terribly disappointed that Marc has decided to find another club but completely understands his reasons. He is a fine player and a great guy off the pitch and we were only too pleased to renew his contract, especially when we thought Shane would be staying with us.
“Unfortunately, this rule means we could not play Carlos and Marc at the same time and it would be a waste of his talent if he could not play regular first team rugby. We all wish him well.”
Stcherbina, who played for Australia A, the Waratahs and Biarritz before coming to Franklin’s Gardens, started 29 games for Saints last season – the most by any player in the squad. He made his debut against Bath Rugby on September 4.
