FORMER SPRINGBOK PETER GRANT BRINGS 10 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE TO FORCE
Peter Grant with his accurate boot (Anton Geyser)
The Western Force will add more than 10 seasons of elite rugby experience to its young backline in 2016 following the signing of former Stormers and Springboks flyhalf Peter Grant, for 2 seasons.
Durban-born Grant, 30, has played 104 matches of Asteron Life Super Rugby for the Cape Town-based Stormers and currently sits seventh in the tournament’s all-time scorers list with 866 points.
Having represented the Stormers for nine seasons at the top provincial level, the five Test Springbok, nicknamed ‘Bash’, most recently played a season with French Top 14 club, La Rochelle, having also played four seasons with Japanese Top League club, the Kobelco Steelers.
Head Coach Michael Foley says Grant’s signing is a significant one in the side’s preparation for success.
“Our priority was adding experience to complement the talented young players in our backline, and with the recruitment of Ben (Tapuai), Jono (Lance) and now Peter (Grant), we believe we’ve moved strongly in that direction,” he said.
“Peter’s played a key position for nine seasons of Super Rugby, as well as a number of seasons in Japan and France. When you combine that with his time spent with the Springboks, it equates to a player that not only has a wealth of experience in playing the game, but also has the ability to lead players around him.
“Most importantly he brings calmness in decision making, an eagerness to take the defence on when we attack and a consistency in goal kicking.
“One of Peter’s key tasks will be to mentor and develop our young flyhalves, as well as the other young players within our backline.”
Grant, whose parents and two uncles live in Perth, says he’s excited about continuing his rugby with the Western Force.
“I’m very excited and looking forward to the move immensely. I’ve obviously got a lot of family there with two of my uncles living in Perth, one of them for over 30 years, and my parents as well, so that’s a big draw card, but I love the lifestyle of Australia, particularly in Perth.”
With over a hundred Stormers caps to his name, Grant knows the role he needs to play in the team and is looking forward to being back in the Super Rugby competition.
“I feel like I have a lot to offer to the younger players, especially playing a mentoring role. Giving them a little bit of advice here and there, which is similar to what players did for me in my career.
“I’m really looking forward to being a part of building the Western Force, because I know there’s a lot of talent there and I really feel I can help Michael and the coaching staff develop that talent.”
Profile
Name: Peter Grant
Born: 15/08/1984, Durban (South Africa)
Position: Flyhalf
Height: 186cm
Weight: 92kg
Super Rugby caps: 104
Super Rugby points: 886 (11 tries, 126 cons, 188 pens)
Super Rugby debut: 2006 (Stormers) v Cats, Johannesburg
Test caps: 5
Test points: 0
Test debut: 2007 (South Africa) v Australia, Sydney
Representative Rugby: 2007-2008 Springboks, 2007 Emerging Springboks, 2006-2014 Stormers, 2003 South African Under 19, 2002 South African Schoolboys
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