Sale SHarks SIgn Shalva Mamukashvili

Earlier today Sale confirmed the signing of Georgian Hooker Shalva Mamukashvili in what is likely their final bit of transfer business this summer. A current international and first choice hooker for Georgia, Mamukashvili has signed from Armia Tbilisi, a team competing in the domestic Georgian Championship. 

Personally I think this is a great bit of business for Sale Sharks. As long as the work permits are finalised which, admittedly, Sale have had trouble with in the past (Samoan flyer Mikaele Pesamino anyone?), Mamukashvili is excellent cover at Hooker for Sale, not just whilst Tommy Taylor recovers from injury but when he returns as well; the signing of Mamukashvilli helps provide excellent depth at the position even as third choice. 

This also lightens the prospective load youngster Cameron Neild would have had to carry as Sale's only other fully fit Hooker aside from Marc Jones. Rather than having their hand forced into playing a raw, 19-year old in potentially key situations across all competitions, Sale can instead turn to a more polished player in Mamukashvilli who additionally has international pedigree and experience to boot.