Saffers Playing Abroad Thread

Where goats go to escape
User avatar
Chilli
Posts: 5652
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:15 pm
Location: In Die Baai in.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh Rugby announced the signing of Cheetahs loosehead prop, Boan Venter, who joins the club with immediate effect.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hailing from South Africa’s Northern Cape, Venter has underscored his physical presence at scrum time from a young age, captaining the Griquas in South Africa’s Craven Week before being selected for the South Africa Schools’ side.

In 2017 he was named in the Junior Springboks training squad ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia and posted impressive performances for the Free State XV in the 2018 SuperSport Rugby Challenge.

A year later he made his breakthrough in the 2019/20 PRO14 season, featuring in all 13 matches of the South African side’s much improved, albeit Covid-curtailed, campaign.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Richard Cockerill, said: “We’re delighted to add Boan to a strong stable of props at the club, creating real depth in an important area of the squad. Our scrum has developed into a real weapon for us and we’re keen to continue its improvement.

“In the past few of seasons we’ve seen our leading looseheads, Rory [Sutherland] and Pierre [Schoeman], attract widespread – and justified – praise. In the case of Rory – and potentially Pierre in time – that has also meant international selection for Scotland.

“It’s therefore important to bring in someone who’ll provide season-long competition and availability for us, while also maintaining a testing environment for good young props like Dan Gamble [19] and Sam Grahamslaw [21] to come up against and develop alongside.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Boan is a great fit for our group and we’re looking forward to getting him started once he’s satisfied all the necessary travel and isolation requirements.”

Venter said: “I’m really excited. This is like a dream come true to move to a club like Edinburgh. I feel this is a great opportunity to express my God given talents and to play for a club I have long admired.

“I know that Edinburgh has a really professional set-up as well as great coaching, a great brand of rugby and has some really proud and passionate supporters. It always seemed like there was a great vibe there.

“From a front-row perspective, it makes me really excited knowing I’m joining a dominant scrummaging pack. It’s an aspect of the game I love, and feel is one of my strengths.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I’m really looking forward to learning, growing and contributing to the best of my ability and will strive to offer the club dominance and stability in set-piece and some excitement with ball in hand and on defence. And with all this, bringing Glory to Him that granted me this opportunity.”

Venter arrived in Edinburgh on Friday and will isolate with his family for 10 days.

He will join the rugby programme and meet the squad once his COVID-19 requirements are complete.
Another Boer who will wear the kilt soon enough.
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

Plenty of saffas on display this weekend.

le Roux and Willemnse paired at lock for France, against CJ Stander for Ireland.
Johan Meyer for Italy didn't do too badly.
WP Nel came off the bench and scrummed very well for Scotland. Big game from Duhan again.
Another big game from AE for Harlequins.
Very impressed with Hanro Liebenberg at 8 for Leicester, reminded me of a young Duane Vermeulen.
User avatar
OomStruisbaai
Posts: 15454
Joined: Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:38 pm
Location: Longest beach in SH

Chilli wrote: Wed Feb 10, 2021 5:31 am
TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh Rugby announced the signing of Cheetahs loosehead prop, Boan Venter, who joins the club with immediate effect.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hailing from South Africa’s Northern Cape, Venter has underscored his physical presence at scrum time from a young age, captaining the Griquas in South Africa’s Craven Week before being selected for the South Africa Schools’ side.

In 2017 he was named in the Junior Springboks training squad ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia and posted impressive performances for the Free State XV in the 2018 SuperSport Rugby Challenge.

A year later he made his breakthrough in the 2019/20 PRO14 season, featuring in all 13 matches of the South African side’s much improved, albeit Covid-curtailed, campaign.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Richard Cockerill, said: “We’re delighted to add Boan to a strong stable of props at the club, creating real depth in an important area of the squad. Our scrum has developed into a real weapon for us and we’re keen to continue its improvement.

“In the past few of seasons we’ve seen our leading looseheads, Rory [Sutherland] and Pierre [Schoeman], attract widespread – and justified – praise. In the case of Rory – and potentially Pierre in time – that has also meant international selection for Scotland.

“It’s therefore important to bring in someone who’ll provide season-long competition and availability for us, while also maintaining a testing environment for good young props like Dan Gamble [19] and Sam Grahamslaw [21] to come up against and develop alongside.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Boan is a great fit for our group and we’re looking forward to getting him started once he’s satisfied all the necessary travel and isolation requirements.”

Venter said: “I’m really excited. This is like a dream come true to move to a club like Edinburgh. I feel this is a great opportunity to express my God given talents and to play for a club I have long admired.

“I know that Edinburgh has a really professional set-up as well as great coaching, a great brand of rugby and has some really proud and passionate supporters. It always seemed like there was a great vibe there.

“From a front-row perspective, it makes me really excited knowing I’m joining a dominant scrummaging pack. It’s an aspect of the game I love, and feel is one of my strengths.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I’m really looking forward to learning, growing and contributing to the best of my ability and will strive to offer the club dominance and stability in set-piece and some excitement with ball in hand and on defence. And with all this, bringing Glory to Him that granted me this opportunity.”

Venter arrived in Edinburgh on Friday and will isolate with his family for 10 days.

He will join the rugby programme and meet the squad once his COVID-19 requirements are complete.
Another Boer who will wear the kilt soon enough.
Very good poach for them. Really rates him.
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

Check out Tyrone Green's two outstading tries for Harlequins yesterday:



Big games from Louis Schreuder and Philip van der Walt too.
User avatar
FalseBayFC
Posts: 3554
Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2020 3:19 pm

assfly wrote: Sun Feb 28, 2021 11:00 am Check out Tyrone Green's two outstading tries for Harlequins yesterday:



Big games from Louis Schreuder and Philip van der Walt too.
That last try was so similar to Kolbe's world cup one. It seems that smaller and more elusive runners are enjoying a comeback. The risk of tackling someone in the air means less challenges on catchers. So you can have shorter players in the back 3.
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

Lood MOTM for Sale on the weekend. Great to see him back in form again.
User avatar
Chilli
Posts: 5652
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:15 pm
Location: In Die Baai in.

assfly wrote: Mon Mar 01, 2021 6:08 am Lood MOTM for Sale on the weekend. Great to see him back in form again.
He is quite some player.
User avatar
Blake
Posts: 2647
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 4:28 pm
Location: Republic of Western Cape

FalseBayFC wrote: Sun Feb 28, 2021 1:29 pm
assfly wrote: Sun Feb 28, 2021 11:00 am Check out Tyrone Green's two outstading tries for Harlequins yesterday:



Big games from Louis Schreuder and Philip van der Walt too.
That last try was so similar to Kolbe's world cup one. It seems that smaller and more elusive runners are enjoying a comeback. The risk of tackling someone in the air means less challenges on catchers. So you can have shorter players in the back 3.
I think the severe penalty of red card for shoulder hits against the head is also making smaller players more competitive.
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

I see that Kolbe played 10 at the weekend. Didn't' see the game, but an interesting move (and they won).
User avatar
OomStruisbaai
Posts: 15454
Joined: Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:38 pm
Location: Longest beach in SH

Are there any Saffers playing in NZ and Aus?
User avatar
Chilli
Posts: 5652
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:15 pm
Location: In Die Baai in.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:56 am Are there any Saffers playing in NZ and Aus?
A Saffer friend of mines son plays 9 for NZ Universities.
User avatar
Blake
Posts: 2647
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 4:28 pm
Location: Republic of Western Cape

assfly wrote: Mon Mar 01, 2021 6:38 am I see that Kolbe played 10 at the weekend. Didn't' see the game, but an interesting move (and they won).
Yeah, not as much hype as after his last outing at 10, so I couldn't have been a rousing success.

I see that it was a tight match and Toulouse only managed to secure the win in the 74th min and Skelton got a yellow for La Rochelle.
Tough match. Ballsy move by the coach to put Cheslin at 10 for a top of the table clash like that.
User avatar
FalseBayFC
Posts: 3554
Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2020 3:19 pm

Blake wrote: Tue Mar 02, 2021 2:18 pm
assfly wrote: Mon Mar 01, 2021 6:38 am I see that Kolbe played 10 at the weekend. Didn't' see the game, but an interesting move (and they won).
Yeah, not as much hype as after his last outing at 10, so I couldn't have been a rousing success.

I see that it was a tight match and Toulouse only managed to secure the win in the 74th min and Skelton got a yellow for La Rochelle.
Tough match. Ballsy move by the coach to put Cheslin at 10 for a top of the table clash like that.
The guy is a freak and I would have no issues with him slotting in as a fullback for the Boks. I see Fassi as a successor to Willie. Young Kriel at the Bulls is also a FB contender for a future Boks team. Our outside back division is growing nicely in depth. Stravino Jacobs, Yaw Penxe, Eduard Keyter, Stean Pienaar, Michael Tambwe are all Super Rugby class already. Looking forward to seeing the Grey College wing Marcell Muller get a go. He looks to be a better version of Duhan van der Merwe.
User avatar
Blake
Posts: 2647
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 4:28 pm
Location: Republic of Western Cape

FalseBayFC wrote: Tue Mar 02, 2021 2:28 pm
Blake wrote: Tue Mar 02, 2021 2:18 pm
assfly wrote: Mon Mar 01, 2021 6:38 am I see that Kolbe played 10 at the weekend. Didn't' see the game, but an interesting move (and they won).
Yeah, not as much hype as after his last outing at 10, so I couldn't have been a rousing success.

I see that it was a tight match and Toulouse only managed to secure the win in the 74th min and Skelton got a yellow for La Rochelle.
Tough match. Ballsy move by the coach to put Cheslin at 10 for a top of the table clash like that.
The guy is a freak and I would have no issues with him slotting in as a fullback for the Boks. I see Fassi as a successor to Willie. Young Kriel at the Bulls is also a FB contender for a future Boks team. Our outside back division is growing nicely in depth. Stravino Jacobs, Yaw Penxe, Eduard Keyter, Stean Pienaar, Michael Tambwe are all Super Rugby class already. Looking forward to seeing the Grey College wing Marcell Muller get a go. He looks to be a better version of Duhan van der Merwe.
Ja, lots of talent in the pipeline, but we just have issues with players kicking on and being consistent.
Lots of these seemingly talented youngsters fizzle out when they hit Super Rugby (or sometimes even CC) level.

They need to be measured against the best in Europe or the best in NZ/Aus before I'm going to get too excited about them.

No issues with Kolbe at 15 either, I think he has proven himself on defense and under the high ball by now; but if he is fit I'd persist with Willie at 15. The recipe seemed to work well; as flakey as Willie can be sometimes, he's grown on me.
User avatar
handyman
Posts: 3145
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 4:23 pm

Kolbe will be good for the Boks at 11, 14 and 15, however I would not pick him at 10.
Springboks, Stormers and WP supporter.
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

AE, Louw and Green all class for Harlequins again yesterday.
User avatar
Chilli
Posts: 5652
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:15 pm
Location: In Die Baai in.

assfly wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:03 am AE, Louw and Green all class for Harlequins again yesterday.
They are playing good Rugby.
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

Another man of the match performance from Lood de Jager.

Tyrone Green with another great game for Quins.

Anyone watching the rugby in France at the moment? No idea how any of our Boks are getting on there.
User avatar
OomStruisbaai
Posts: 15454
Joined: Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:38 pm
Location: Longest beach in SH

assfly wrote: Mon Mar 15, 2021 5:28 am Another man of the match performance from Lood de Jager.

Tyrone Green with another great game for Quins.

Anyone watching the rugby in France at the moment? No idea how any of our Boks are getting on there.
There are a lot playing in Japan. The most 2019 WC starters.
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:08 am There are a lot playing in Japan. The most 2019 WC starters.
Yes I see, great to see some familiar faces playing again. I see Jesse Kriel had to have several stitches in his forehead, poor guy.
TheNatalShark
Posts: 1180
Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2020 4:35 pm

User avatar
Sandstorm
Posts: 10884
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 7:05 pm
Location: England

TheNatalShark wrote: Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:30 am
Dropped the bench press on his face?
User avatar
handyman
Posts: 3145
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 4:23 pm

Quite an improvement.
Springboks, Stormers and WP supporter.
User avatar
Blake
Posts: 2647
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 4:28 pm
Location: Republic of Western Cape

TheNatalShark wrote: Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:30 am
Jeez, that is some scar.

Anybody know/have footage of what happened? Knee or boot te face? Head clash?
User avatar
Chilli
Posts: 5652
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:15 pm
Location: In Die Baai in.

Blake wrote: Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:57 am
TheNatalShark wrote: Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:30 am
Jeez, that is some scar.

Anybody know/have footage of what happened? Knee or boot te face? Head clash?
Covid related.

<Sards>
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

Lood is on fire for Sale.
User avatar
Chilli
Posts: 5652
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:15 pm
Location: In Die Baai in.

assfly wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 8:37 am Lood is on fire for Sale.
He is truly a great player.
User avatar
Sards
Posts: 9291
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 4:41 am

AE had a very good outing
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

Sards wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 11:39 am AE had a very good outing
Glad someone else decided to mention it, always seems to be me :oops:

The commentators were running out of compliments for him on Saturday. Quins have basically built their backline gameplan around him. Oh and Tyrone Green with another great game and another try.
Dinsdale Piranha
Posts: 1010
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 10:08 pm

assfly wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 11:56 am
Sards wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 11:39 am AE had a very good outing
Glad someone else decided to mention it, always seems to be me :oops:

The commentators were running out of compliments for him on Saturday. Quins have basically built their backline gameplan around him. Oh and Tyrone Green with another great game and another try.
I believe Esterhuizen was the highest paid Quins player ever when he signed the contract. It's impressive that he is looking worth the money. All the saffas have settled in well. I've also been particularly impressed with how quickly Wilco Louw has got up to speed as front rows can take a while.
User avatar
OomStruisbaai
Posts: 15454
Joined: Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:38 pm
Location: Longest beach in SH

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 12:33 pm
assfly wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 11:56 am
Sards wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 11:39 am AE had a very good outing
Glad someone else decided to mention it, always seems to be me :oops:

The commentators were running out of compliments for him on Saturday. Quins have basically built their backline gameplan around him. Oh and Tyrone Green with another great game and another try.
I believe Esterhuizen was the highest paid Quins player ever when he signed the contract. It's impressive that he is looking worth the money. All the saffas have settled in well. I've also been particularly impressed with how quickly Wilco Louw has got up to speed as front rows can take a while.
Sards won't mention Wilco because he played for the Stormers.
User avatar
Chilli
Posts: 5652
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:15 pm
Location: In Die Baai in.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 12:39 pm
Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 12:33 pm
assfly wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 11:56 am

Glad someone else decided to mention it, always seems to be me :oops:

The commentators were running out of compliments for him on Saturday. Quins have basically built their backline gameplan around him. Oh and Tyrone Green with another great game and another try.
I believe Esterhuizen was the highest paid Quins player ever when he signed the contract. It's impressive that he is looking worth the money. All the saffas have settled in well. I've also been particularly impressed with how quickly Wilco Louw has got up to speed as front rows can take a while.
Sards won't mention Wilco because he played for the Stormers.
That is unfair Oom, Sards wouldn't know as he doesn't watch rugby :thumbup:
User avatar
assfly
Posts: 4507
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:30 am

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 12:33 pm I believe Esterhuizen was the highest paid Quins player ever when he signed the contract. It's impressive that he is looking worth the money. All the saffas have settled in well. I've also been particularly impressed with how quickly Wilco Louw has got up to speed as front rows can take a while.
Quins have recruited well, considering how many cheap Saffas there are looking for overseas contracts.

Stephan Lewies has just extended his contract, and I think he's going to have the captain's armband for a long time. Reminds me of Andre Vos; a little understated but a hard worker.

Louw and Green also proving very good week after week. In fact I think Quins could be real title contenders this year.
User avatar
Sandstorm
Posts: 10884
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 7:05 pm
Location: England

Didn’t recognise AE in that clip, he passed the ball.
sunnybanana
Posts: 38
Joined: Sun Aug 16, 2020 11:46 am

He’s always had decent hands and he’s getting to show it within the Quins structure. I’ve watched his last 4 or 5 games and his all round play has been superb.
There was one offload in that Gloucester game (not the one that led to Green’s try) that was as good as anything I’ve seen from SBW.
User avatar
OomStruisbaai
Posts: 15454
Joined: Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:38 pm
Location: Longest beach in SH

Most WC winning Springbokke plays aboard. How prepared will they be for the Lions tour? Specially those in Japan.
User avatar
Sards
Posts: 9291
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 4:41 am

Sandstorm wrote: Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:20 pm
Didn’t recognise AE in that clip, he passed the ball.
His offload game has always been there...you are thinking about De Allende
User avatar
handyman
Posts: 3145
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 4:23 pm

Sards wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 6:48 am
Sandstorm wrote: Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:20 pm
Didn’t recognise AE in that clip, he passed the ball.
His offload game has always been there...you are thinking about De Allende
He is a one trick pony. The same as De Allende. Damian however will contest over the ball and not cost you games with cards.

Easy choice really.
Springboks, Stormers and WP supporter.
User avatar
sorCrer
Posts: 1089
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 6:56 pm

handyman wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 7:54 am
Sards wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 6:48 am
Sandstorm wrote: Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:20 pm

Didn’t recognise AE in that clip, he passed the ball.
His offload game has always been there...you are thinking about De Allende
He is a one trick pony. The same as De Allende. Damian however will contest over the ball and not cost you games with cards.

Easy choice really.
De Allende has bene playing quite well up north. Watched several games and he gets across the gain line and does actually pass a bit now too.
Post Reply