This has got "Gary Connolly" written all over it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The way I see it is that Eastmond is contracted for another two years.

Next year we'll see if he can do what we need of a 7, the length of his contract will avoid anyone else sniffing round him and getinng him unsettled during this period. If he's the half back we all hope he is, then at the end of next season they'll sit down and sort out a realistic long term contract to replace his current one.

If he's not all he's cracked up to be, then we're not tied to a long and expensive contract.

Works both ways, but I wouldn't be overly concerned about the length being so he can jump ship as soon as possible.

Offside's right - the whole point of this deal will be to get Eastmond to sign a new one at the end of next year if things are looking good. You do not want to be waiting to the end of a contract to work out a new one with your best players. If you do, you'll forever be in bidding wars (real or talked up by the likes of Offiah).

IMO 2 years is about right as well - Eastmond looks promising but it's hard to see what his best position long-term may be. TBH from what (little) I've seen he's a good runner but seems to be lacking in some of the basic halfback skills (something sadly true about most young British players unfortunately). Doesn't mean he can't make it - Rob Burrow really doesn't have a good passing game for example - but I for one wouldn't be betting a 5-year deal on him as a scrum half right now.

It's a pretty good deal for both Eastmond and the club in my opinion.

Has he signed for Sale yet?

Absolutely, it's [url=http://viewtopic.php?p=14608331#p14608331nailed on[/url, according to one of the more credulous posters on the board.