July 31, 2005

Glasgow sign Graydon Staniforth

Posted by Editor on July 31, 2005 11:18 AM | 14 comments | Print | E-mail author

Graydon Staniforth has signed for Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors have announced the signing of fullback/wing Graydon Staniforth from Exeter Chiefs on a one year contract.

Staniforth, brother of Wallaby winger Scott Staniforth, has represented Australia Sevens on the IRB circuit.

His senior club career started in 1999 with Australian Universities and Southern Districts before moving onto the New South Wales Waratahs Academy and B side as well as representing Australian Legends in the Hong Kong 10s.

With a reputation for powerful, pacey running and a long accurate kicking game, he moved to play for New Zealand NPC team Southland in 2003 before moving to Exeter Chiefs last season. He was instrumental in Exeter's drive for promotion to the Guinness Premiership but they were edged out by Bristol.

As his wife is a UK passport holder, Graydon will qualify as a European player when playing for Glasgow.

Glasgow Head coach Hugh Campbell said: "We have a fair number of young backs in the squad at the moment and we felt a player of Graydon's experience would have a lot to offer the squad as a whole both on and off the pitch. I'm sure his strong and hard running style will make sure he fits in well at Hughenden and we're very pleased to welcome him on board."

Staniforth added: "I just arrived with the squad this week. We've been at a training camp at RM Condor in Arbroath so it's been really enjoyable and a great way to get stuck in and meet everyone. Looking to the rest of the season I'll hopefully be able to contribute wherever I can and get a few games under my belt and hopefully a few wins too."

Comments
Posted by Alan on July 31, 2005 08:44 PM

before we get the comments about foreigners, imports, taking a young Scottish guy's place etc... WELCOME TO GLASGOW GRAYDON.. do we have a nickname to shout?

Posted by vicki on July 31, 2005 10:10 PM

I think it's a great name - can just hear the cries from the stand now - "Run like a stag, Graydon", or "Way to go Staniforth!"

Posted by Gordon on July 31, 2005 10:44 PM

Seems he was called 'Giggsy' when he was at Exeter.

Posted by Weegie on July 31, 2005 11:33 PM

Alan, how about "Second rate Southern Hemisphere import"?

Posted by Big Blue on August 1, 2005 10:52 AM

Weegie, can you give us some info on the opposition you have seen Staniforth play against. It may give the rest of us some idea of the quality of a player we have not seen.

Posted by Weegie on August 1, 2005 06:55 PM

Staniforth has appeared on televised rugby on a couple of occasions when SKY have covered English Division 1 matches. These are of course snippets and one cannot judge a player from them.

He is, however, over 30 and only entered top level club rugby six years ago. He has not played at English Premiership level and I don't think he was a regular with Southland, who are at the wrong end of the NZ NPC. Is Exeter Chiefs a proving ground for someone to bring "experience" to the back three in a Heineken Cup or even Celtic League context?

But, of course, he's a friend of Dan Parks!

Posted by AB on August 1, 2005 08:31 PM

Big Blue, I think what Weegie is trying to say is that he's not seen the guy play and knows nothing about him other than what he's found on the web. Of course he's entitled to his opinion. Just a pity it's not an informed one.

Posted by hugh on August 1, 2005 08:47 AM

Its the Eccies that leap like salmon and run like stags

Posted by Jimmy on August 1, 2005 01:27 PM

He'll be 33 in November. Where's the sense in turning a blind eye to renewing the young Scots playing contracts yet bringing almost retired foreigners? More madness from the SRU.

Posted by Euan on August 1, 2005 05:48 PM

In general we do seem to have a tendency to overlook local young talent, but in this case I think HC was worried about our lack of experience in the outside backs. Sounds like he can cover both wing and FB. I think KL for example demonstrated last year the benefits of bringing a quality player 1/2 seasons from retirement into the squad. Time will tell if this guy has the same impact.

Posted by aussie in london on August 1, 2005 01:34 PM

He's a very big friend of Danno Parks, they played together in the Southern Districts in Australia. I hear he recommended him to Hugh Campbell. Recommending friends is one thing but Stans best is behind him.

Posted by Gordon on August 1, 2005 03:51 PM

Weird - 'Jimmy' and 'Aussie in London' seem to be speaking with one voice. You could be forgiven for thinking they were using the same keyboard.

Posted by hugh on August 1, 2005 07:36 PM

Anyway good to hear from Vicki re running like stags--she sounds a damn good chap

Posted by Gordon on August 1, 2005 09:15 PM

Thread closed. I think we should wait and see how the player does on the park.

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