Ulster sign Peikrishvili on a short term deal
Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 1:16 pm
[tag=image]http://img.rasset.ie/000cc811-800.jpg[/tag][tag=content]Ulster have announced the short term signing of Georgian international tighthead prop Anton Peikrishvili as injury cover.
The province are currently with just one fit tighthead in Rodney Ah You after a set of bad luck with injuries saw Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Johnny Simpson all ruled out.
Peikrishvili, 28, will join Ulster until the 19th December by which point all three props should be back from their respective lay offs.
The Georgian has played club rugby in France since 2007, having had spells at Agen, Brive and Bayonne, as well as gaining experience in the Heineken Cup with Castres between 2010 and 2014.
Peikrishvili made his international debut in 2008 and has represented his country 23 times since then.
Ulster's Director of Rugby Les Kiss welcomed Peikrishvili on board, claiming the big Georgian would provide some much needed relief in such a difficult period.
"It's a challenging period with Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson currently unavailable due to injury, so it was important for us to explore what short-term options were open to us," Kiss said.
"Bryn has moved with speed to recruit Anton and I would like to thank the IRFU for their expediency and flexibility in allowing us to bring in this support.
"During these discussions we shared our desire to give young Academy props, such as Ross Kane and Craig Trenier, with opportunities to represent the senior squad.
"Anton is an experienced player who will provide us with extra cover in a very important position. The Georgians are traditionally very strong scrummagers and Anton is no different in this regard.
"For a big unit he is pretty mobile and he will be able to contribute around the park, which is important for the style of rugby we wish to play.”
Peikrishvili is not expected to be available for Friday's Pro12 opener against the Newport-Gwent Dragons.[/tag]
The province are currently with just one fit tighthead in Rodney Ah You after a set of bad luck with injuries saw Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Johnny Simpson all ruled out.
Peikrishvili, 28, will join Ulster until the 19th December by which point all three props should be back from their respective lay offs.
The Georgian has played club rugby in France since 2007, having had spells at Agen, Brive and Bayonne, as well as gaining experience in the Heineken Cup with Castres between 2010 and 2014.
Peikrishvili made his international debut in 2008 and has represented his country 23 times since then.
Ulster's Director of Rugby Les Kiss welcomed Peikrishvili on board, claiming the big Georgian would provide some much needed relief in such a difficult period.
"It's a challenging period with Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson currently unavailable due to injury, so it was important for us to explore what short-term options were open to us," Kiss said.
"Bryn has moved with speed to recruit Anton and I would like to thank the IRFU for their expediency and flexibility in allowing us to bring in this support.
"During these discussions we shared our desire to give young Academy props, such as Ross Kane and Craig Trenier, with opportunities to represent the senior squad.
"Anton is an experienced player who will provide us with extra cover in a very important position. The Georgians are traditionally very strong scrummagers and Anton is no different in this regard.
"For a big unit he is pretty mobile and he will be able to contribute around the park, which is important for the style of rugby we wish to play.”
Peikrishvili is not expected to be available for Friday's Pro12 opener against the Newport-Gwent Dragons.[/tag]
