MAIDENHEAD Rugby Club’s promotion campaign suffered an early set-back this week, as influential No.8 Ray Malesala announced he was leaving the club.
The 6ft3in Samoan caused quite a stir in South West 1 last year, as his bone-crunching tackles and awesome ball carrying ability gave Maids the edge in several crucial encounters.
In fact, he so impressed Reading they tried to sign him just minutes after the final whistle.
However, his contributions could not save Maids from demotion and it seems this was the key factor in his decision to leave.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed myself with Maidenhead and I don’t really want to move away, but I had to think about my future.
“I’m pushing for a place in the Samoan squad and I was told if I wanted to be considered I would have to play rugby at a higher level.”
To this end, Malesala has signed for Welsh Division 1 side Narberth, who are currently strengthening their squad after winning promotion from Division 2 last month.
Malesala added: “There are a few Samoans playing in the Welsh Premier and we’ll be playing against them in cup games.
“Hopefully the selectors will get to see me play as well.”
Many at the club will be sorry to see him go, but new 1st team coach Tony Brooks claimed Malesala’s departure would not significantly reduce the quality of his squad.
He said: “If we were to lose a player anywhere I would prefer it to be from the back-row.
“We have some very capable players there, such as Robin Bryant, Chad Miller and Mark Mueller.
“We certainly have the players to fill in.
“If Ray had chosen to stay, great! But if he has decided to go, I wish him all the best. I hope it works out for him.”
Skipper Jody Dance concurred, adding: “It is a loss, but such is life.
“We’re not losing any of our devoted players and the new coach really rates Robin Bryant.
“I think you’ll find he’ll end up at No.8 next season.”