Greenwood praises Cumbrian who has quit at just 29
Last updated 05:35, Friday, 01 August 2008
ENGLAND World Cup legend Will Greenwood today paid tribute to Cumbrian star Steve Hanley who has been forced to retire with a back injury.
Hanley suffered a disc problem during Sales’s Challenge Cup victory over Bayonne last December and has been told he will never again be able to compete at the top level.
The 29-year-old, who began his career with his home-town team Aspatria, won a single England cap against Wales in the Five Nations Championship in 1999 and scored a record 75 tries in the Premiership.
Greenwood reckons Hanley would have added to his England caps had he managed to steer clear of the injuries which plagued his career, and paid tribute to his prolific try-scoring record.
The former Harlequins centre, who was a key part of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning team, said: “Steve was a tremendous servant for Sale and he had a tremendous try-scoring record.
“When Steve, Jason Robinson and Mark Cueto were together in the Sale team, they used to carve the club scene up.
“Steve was a big lump of a lad and when he was on-song there were few finishers as good as him.
“He was a tremendous physical talent, but he got a terrible shoulder injury and it cost him a place at the World Cup.
“Rugby isn’t a game of tiddleywinks and few people get through without injuries and, if you have a recurring one, it’s even worse. Steve will be disappointed he didn’t get more caps.
“He had pace and finishing ability and his all-round game was good. He’s a real top lad and I’m hoping to catch up with him next week for a game of golf.”
Hanley, the son of Aspatria president Mel Hanley, signed for the Sharks in 1998 and in all touched down 104 times in 191 games for the Manchester club.
On his England debut, he scored a try and suffered a broken arm, but is largely remembered for him being run over by Craig Quinnell.
He has not played for Sale since December 2007 and announced his retirement to the audience at his testimonial launch at Edgeley Park.
Hanley said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sale Sharks and have some great memories playing for the club.
“However, I have been struggling with a disc problem in my back since the Bayonne game and have received medical advice in that I will not recover enough to be able to play Premiership rugby again.”
Former team-mate Jason Robinson has also paid tribute, saying: “It was a pleasure to play in the same team as Steve. He is a great lad and as his statistics show, one of the best finishers in the game.”
n Aspatria RFC has been selected to host a brand new social rugby tournament festival, the Heineken 10s.
With places for over 200 amateur rugby players to take part in the one-day festival at Aspatria RFC on November 22, Cumbrian teams are encouraged to sign up at www.heinekenrugby.co.uk or by registering their interest by email to heineken10s@fstrk.com.
As well as hosting this inaugural competition, the Cumbrian club will receive a legacy donation from Heineken to improve their facilities.
