By Duncan Wood
July 11 2002

Bristol Shoguns continued to strengthen their squad yesterday with the signing of former Sale and England A centre, Martin Shaw. Here is the press release provided by the club.

Bristol Shoguns have continued to strengthen their first team squad with the signing of former Sale Sharks and England A centre Martin Shaw.

The 23-year-old joins the Shoguns on a two-year contract, and the Club's fans may remember Shaw's performance against them at the end of last season. The centre ran in a hat trick of tries in the Shoguns' 53-47 defeat at Heywood Road in April.

Shaw will be amongst old friends at the Memorial Stadium, having previously played alongside current Shoguns Ross Beattie and Garath Archer at Newcastle Falcons. The Shoguns new signing also competed in the same England Students team as David Rees and went to school with Shoguns full back, Lee Best.

Commenting on the official Bristol Shoguns website, the 6ft centre said: "As soon as I knew of Bristol Shoguns' interest I was keen to join. I know a few of the players from my time at Newcastle and the Club has huge potential.

"Bristol Shoguns had a great end of season last year. I watched the Zurich Championship quarter-final against Leicester on television and the Shoguns were the only team last year to stop their forwards."

Commenting on his hat-trick of tries against the Shoguns last year, the centre added: "I'd love to go on and score a few more this year. It would be great to score against both Sale and Newcastle."

Shoguns head coach, Peter Thorburn added: "There was an obvious need to strengthen the midfield which was further highlighted when Andrew Higgins injured his neck last season and then Jason Little moved on in the summer. The opportunity to sign up Martin was too good not to pick up."

Martin Shaw Player Profile
Place of birth: Bishop Auckland
Height: 6ft
Weight: 14st 2lbs
Previous clubs: Sale Sharks (2000-02),
Newcastle Falcons (1996-2000)
Representative honours: England A, U21, Students, U19, Barbarians