WP Rugby confirm Currie Cup reinforcements

Aug 25 • General News • 1875 Views • Comments Off on WP Rugby confirm Currie Cup reinforcements

Western Province Rugby have brought in a number of players as reinforcements for their Currie Cup Premier Division campaign.

Olympic Bronze medallist and 2015 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Werner Kok, joins the union on loan afer agreement between Western Province Rugby, SARU and the player, making him available for DHL Western Province until the end of the season.

Kok’s Springbok Sevens teammate, Seabelo Senatla has signed a three-year tripartite contract with Western Province Rugby and SARU, that will make him available for both DHL Western Province and the DHL Stormers, when he is not representing a national team.

The trio of utility back Scott van Breda, hooker Martin Ferreira and flank Stefan Willemse have all joined the union on short-term contracts, whilst hooker Neil Rautenbach is on loan from the Toyota Free State Cheetahs.

Director of Rugby Gert Smal said that given the current injury situation, and with so many players on Springbok duty, it was important to bolster the squad.

“The transition from Vodacom Super Rugby to the Currie Cup Premier Division has been challenging, so we have brought in a few players from outside to give us the depth that we need.

“Scott van Breda has been with us for some time, with Martin Ferreira and Stefan Willemse providing great value in the few weeks they have been here, whilst Neil Rautenbach needs no introduction, having proven himself in the blue and white hoops before,” he said.

Smal said that the addition of Kok to the playing roster is an exciting one, as he looks to make the transition to the 15-man code.

“Werner has proven himself as one of the best Sevens players in the world, and he has all the attributes to be an outstanding backline asset for us. We are excited to see what he offers in the Currie Cup,” he said.

Commenting on the three-year deal with Senatla, Smal said that it was satisfying to secure the services of such a bright talent who has shown what he is capable of for both DHL Western Province and the DHL Stormers in recent years.

“It is a pity that Seabelo injured himself at the Rio Olympics, but we are grateful to be able to call on his services for the next three years,” he added.