Nick Macleod

Nick Macleod (born 23 March 1983 in Cardiff, Wales) is a former professional rugby union player who played for Cardiff Blues, Sale Sharks and Newport Gwent Dragons. Primarily a fly-half, Macleod also played at Fullback.

Nick Macleod
Birth nameNick Macleod
Date of birth (1983-03-23) 23 March 1983
Place of birthCardiff, Wales
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight87 kg (13 st 10 lb) [1]
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fly-half, Full-back
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2003–2008
2008–2016
2016-2017
Cardiff Blues
Sale Sharks
Dragons
82
153
6
(240)
(705)
(32)
Correct as of 29 October 2016

Macleod began the 2010–11 season as Sale's fly-half in the absence of the team's first choice, Charlie Hodgson; when Hodgson returned in late September he took over the position.[2] In a Challenge Cup match for Sale against Cetransa El Salvador on 8 October 2010, Macleod equalled the club's record for most points scored in a game by a single player. When fly-half Charlie Hodgson, who previously held the record, was rested at half-time Macleod took over goal kicking. With two tries and eight successful conversions, Macleod scored 26 points in the match.[3] The following month, Macleod experienced what he described a "highlight of [his] career so far" when he stepped up to captain Sale in a 24–19 defeat to Exeter. Regular captain Neil Briggs was unavailable due to injury and Macleod filled the position.[4] Hodgson suffered a broken foot in December, ruling him out for several months. In his absence, Macleod took the role of Sale's regular fly-half.[5] Macleod's elevation to the captaincy was temporary and winger Mark Cueto was appointed captain in late December 2010 by new coach Pete Anglesea,[6] who replaced Mike Brewer as Sale had won just three out of nine matches in the 2010–11 season.[7]

Hodgson left at the end of the 2010–11 season and the club chose not to sign a new fly-half. This meant that Macleod would be given a regular chance in the position.[8] He had a successful run, scoring 231 points by mid-February when he signed a two-year extension on his contract.[9]

MacLeod joined Newport Gwent Dragons for the 2016-17 season and made six appearances before suffering a ligament injury which eventually forced him to retire from professional rugby; he now works as a baker in Cardiff.[10]

References

  1. "Aviva Premiership Rugby - Sale Sharks". web page. Premier Rugby. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  2. Hodgson's timely return boosts Sale, scrum.com, 27 September 2010, retrieved 7 December 2010
  3. Sale 97–11 Cetransa El Salvador, BBC Sport, 8 October 2010, retrieved 25 October 2010
  4. Leigh, Neil (30 November 2010), Top tip for Sale Sharks, Manchester Evening News, retrieved 30 November 2010
  5. Spink, Alex (7 December 2010), Charlie Hodgson's unlucky break opens door for Jonny, Daily Mirror, retrieved 11 December 2010
  6. Winger Mark Cueto given Sale Sharks captaincy, BBC Sport, 29 December 2010, retrieved 31 December 2010
  7. Sale Sharks sack head coach Mike Brewer, BBC Sport, 23 December 2010, retrieved 23 December 2010
  8. Nick Macleod enjoying fly-half responsibility at Sale, BBC Sport, 22 September 2011, retrieved 20 April 2012
  9. Sale's Dwayne Peel, Marc Jones & Nick Macleod sign new deals, BBC Sport, 8 February 2012, retrieved 20 April 2012
  10. How a former Welsh rugby star became a celebrated baker following an injury, WalesOnline, 9 March 2018, retrieved 7 December 2020



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