Bok lock heading to France?
Dec 06,2012
According to unconfirmed reports in the French press, Springbok lock Juandre Kruger has signed with Top 14 club Racing Métro.
On Thursday, Parisian radio station RMC announced that Kruger, who has eight Test caps for South Africa, is the latest high-profile addition to the big-spending French club's squad after the recent acquisition of Wales centre Jamie Roberts.
Kruger was named the Bulls' Super Rugby forward of the Year for 2012.
If the reports are true, it will not be lock's first stint in Europe after spending two years with Northampton Saints in England.
Rumours are circulating that Racing having also signed Northampton front-row duo Soane Tonga'uiha and Brian Mujati, Perpignan wing Adrien Planté, and Welsh international flank Dan Lydiate.
Comments (4)
Dec 07, 2012 at 00:16:17
New Zealand and Australia have best managed this poaching of Southern Hemisphere High-Profile players, whereas, South Africa has been extremely lenient towards players who may have come from a top SA club and joined a lower level European club, but somehow get to wear the Green&Gold Jersey.
Almost every second European club has a SA player in it, and all Irish Clubs have at least 1 or 2 SA in them, Fact. Money plays a major role in this case and I think more and more players will follow suit, and that'll provide a significant problem SA.
Players have the right to play for whoever they want to play for, its business, and they have to make money before retirement. Having said that, I think the coach should select players who are at home, after-all, SA has a massive pool of players waiting for their chance to wear Green&Gold Jersey.
Someone just has to do the job, and that is to sport the talent right in their ddoor-step.
Bok fan
Dec 07, 2012 at 08:19:44
What is astonishing is that even small overseas clubs can pay a lot more than the guys get here.
Juandre i s not in my view a great lock so in this case it could open the way fo ra better player.
What overseas players are there that are actually top class. Louw is one but who else. Where it affects us more is at super 15 level.
Naturally overseas clubs prefer Safferrs to Kiwis and oz players!
As to selections where thee is doubt go fo rthe SA player. Howeve you canno tafford not to play a guy like Louw. But why pick Brits ahead of Deon Fourie. Was the local knowledge bit such a big factor.
See ya on the ruckers forum.
Dec 10, 2012 at 12:44:00
For every springcock playing in a foreign club I bet I could name at least 3 kiwis. So much for your " foreign clubs prefer Saffa's drivel. Just look at last years RWC. NZ had 45 nationals playing in teams other than the ABs compared with the paltry 15 saffas. Hehehehe.
Dec 06, 2012 at 15:27:08
well if we Meyer select international players at will it will encourage others to leave our shores