Coach reveals talks to sign ‘supreme’ Wales star in move which would halt international career

Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson has confirmed the club have held talks with Mason Grady as they look to lure him away from Welsh rugby to the Gallagher Premiership.

Having been a member of Warren Gatland’s team for the World Cup last year, the 21-year-old has gained a lot of admirers with his strong performances for Cardiff this season. With just six caps to his name thus far, though, a departure from the Welsh regional game would mean an early end to his rapidly rising international career due to the 25-cap restriction.With our daily email, you can have the most recent rugby news delivered right to your inbox for free.

Grady, one of the most promising young players in Welsh rugby, is believed to have attracted interest from four English clubs: Bath, Exeter Chiefs, Saracens, and Saracens. The center is in great demand and has an expiring contract at Arms Park this summer. Given the harsh effects of the salary cap on the region, it appears that he will be joining his Cardiff teammate and new Gloucester recruit, Tomos Williams, in going across the border.

While Grady has met with Bath coach Johann van Graan, there are also reports that French clubs are interested in him. Sale’s interest has now been verified by Sanderson, who claims to have “had a chat” with the Wales international and

describing him as a “supreme athlete”.

“Who wouldn’t be interested in a Mason Grady if you had space in your squad and the cap for them?” Prior to Sale’s Champions Cup match against the Stormers, he stated. “He’s a phenomenal multi-sport athlete; in addition to playing basketball, his mother and brother both represented Wales in basketball. He will continue to grow because of his youthful zeal, quickness, and aerial skill.

“You have to keep looking to strengthen your squad and potentially he could be one of those to do that, so we had a chat to him and we’ll see where that lands, that’s no secret.”

This comes after Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt stated that Grady, who is 21 years old, was “happy” at Arms Park and that it would be “very worrying” for someone as young and gifted as him to give up on his international future and leave Welsh rugby.

“Any club would be mad not to look at our young players because they’ve played well and Mason’s got the physical attributes where he’s always going to be high on clubs’ list,” he stated. “This season, I’ve let Mason enjoy his rugby, and he’s had some great moments for us.