Shields gets call
to the coaching team, it leaves us a little light in this area, so he will be a welcome addition.”
The 6ft 2in Munnelly, who weighs in at 105kgs (16st 5lb), previously played for Sandal in National 2 and also the Ireland Students rugby league team.
Munnelly says he is eager to become part of the Lockwood Park squad, who have pre-season matches confirmed for Saturday, August 18, at Lockwood Park in a round robin, and away at Lymm on August 25.
“Having spoken with Gareth and Mark, I was really impressed with their ambitions and I am excited to join and help achieve their aspirations for the team and build on last year’s finish,” he said.
“I’m wanting to bring a real emphasis on go-forward in attack and a strong defensive ethic.
“I hope the team can be successful by improving on last year’s sixth finish whilst playing an attractive brand of rugby.
“It will be good to meet the lads as a teammate, not as an opposing player!” BRAD SHIELDS will start England’s second Test against South Africa after Chris Robshaw was dropped to the bench for the first time in his international career.
Shields, a New Zealander who qualifies through his parents, has been picked at blindside flanker to make his full debut just two weeks after joining up with Eddie Jones’ squad for the first time.
It is a bold selection call by Jones, who has viewed Robshaw as a key player until his decision to drop him from the squad for tomorrow’s clash in Bloemfontein.
“Based on South Africa’s likely selection of an extra line-out jumper we have decided to start with Brad Shields, which improves our line-out,” Jones said.
“It is tough on Chris Robshaw as he has been an outstanding player for us but I know he will bounce back.”
The only other change to the starting XV sees Joe Launchbury restored to the second row having completed his recovery from the calf injury.
Launchbury partners Maro Itoje with Nick Isiekwe, who was withdrawn in a tactical substitution three minutes before half time in the 42-39 defeat at Ellis Park and is now also overlooked.
Instead, the spot among the replacements that Shields filled in Johannesburg is taken by Mark Wilson, with the last remaining change to the 23 toppled by the Springboks in the firstTest seeing Danny Cipriani come in.