14 December 2004
Gloucester Rugby Club has continued its front row recruitment and announced a second new signing with French hooker Noel Curnier joining on a three-month contract.
The 27 year-old French 'A' international joins Welsh international hooker Mefin Davies as one of Gloucester's two new front row men, after both Chris Fortey (broken ankle) and Olivier Azam (shoulder muscle) were ruled out through injury.
Curnier, who played four seasons for his home town club Toulon from 1996-2000, has also played for Brive (00-01), Biarritz (01/02) during their Championship winning season, Bourgoin (02/03) and Agen (03/04).
Gloucester's hooker options now include the two new signings, summer signing James Parkes and Rob Elloway.
Both Mefin Davies and Curnier will be registered for the domestic tournaments, but Parkes and Elloway remain Gloucester's only Heineken Cup options due to the registration deadline.
Commenting on www.gloucesterrugbyclub.com director of rugby Nigel Melville said: "We've brought Mefin and Noel in on short term contracts and they will be registered for this weekend's game against Leicester Tigers and then the Zurich games afterwards.
"With Fortey and Azam being injured it's vital we have cover for the hooker position. Parkes, who has been playing well, and Elloway are our only fit hookers for the Heineken Cup, we've got to ensure they're available for the games against Ulster and Stade Francais in January.
"We need to have strength in depth and it's also a great opportunity for both of the new guys to show what they're capable of. They come with quality references and performances, and they'll have the chances to prove themselves."
Player Profile Noel Curnier
Position: Hooker
Height: 1.80m (5ft 11")
Weight: 100kg (15st 11lb)
Date of birth: 06.02.77
Previous clubs: Toulon, Brive, Biarritz, Bourgoin, Agen
International hons: France 'A' Vs Italy in 2001 and 2003, and France U21 |
