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The return of the Mac

Jenny Dixon
21/11/2007

LUKE McAlister admitted it was a ‘huge’ decision to turn his back on New Zealand for life with Sale Sharks.

The 24-year-old All Black grew up in Oldham while father Charlie turned out for rugby league clubs, including the Roughyeds.

Having been unveiled at a press conference last week, McAlister said he was looking forward to making a return visit to the borough having left Greater Manchester 12 years ago.

He said: "The snow and the cold is a strong memory . I left when I was 12 so I’ve forgotten a lot about the place. It will be good to get around again, go for a drive next week to where I used to live and see a few things I used to do when I was younger. It’s good to be back.

"I sort of lost contact with everyone when I left because I didn’t think I’d be coming back, that’s for sure! They’ll maybe find me if some of them are still around. It would be cool to meet up."

Having been born in Waitara, McAlister played football for Mills Hill Primary and North Chadderton Schools, attending Manchester United’s academy along the way.

He also played rugby league before turning his attention rugby union at the age of 14.

McAlister is being accompanied in the short term by Charlie who, despite having ‘fantastic memories’ of his time at Oldham, did not pressure his son into making the move.

He said: "We made friendships for life, that’s why we’re excited about being here – catching up with some old friends from the greater Manchester area.

"Swanny (Sale media manager Dave Swanton) has already had a few calls from some mates that used to batter me about the park a bit, so I’ll catch up with them. I’m looking forward to seeing those guys because I’m here a couple of weeks.

"It (the move) wasn’t my advice at all. It’s his life, he’s a responsible young man. He makes his own decisions. Once he makes them I support him 110 per cent."