The Grubber: Transfer madness and the latest on Super Rugby Aotearoa

A LOT has been happening in the world of rugby recently and there is plenty of speculation over the future of the country’s biggest talents.

A clause that was agreed on by the SA Rugby Industry, MyPlayers, and the South African Rugby Employers’ Organisation, last month, to allow professional rugby players in the country to leave their existing contracts with their unions, are part of SA Rugby’s efforts to cut costs in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The players had until midnight on Thursday – the end of a three-week window to decide over their futures. The clause also stipulated that the franchises were not allowed to make counter-offers for their players, a ruling that has been tough for local coaches and administrators.

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The DHL Stormers: The Cape franchise has managed to fend off interest for World Player of the Year, Pieter Steph Du Toit and captain, Siya Kolisi. The Stormers have lost a Springbok. Fullback, Dillyn Leyds is off to France where he’ll join La Rochelle.

Promising forward, Cobus Wiese has joined the Sale Sharks after he effectively turned down the Saracens offer due to their relegation.

There’s also possibility that The Stormers could also lose their flyhalf, Jean-Luc Du Plessis after he opted out of his contract with the union on deadline day.

The Cell-C Sharks: The Super Rugby leaders have held on to Makazole Mapimpi, captain Lukhanyo Am and Thomas Du Toit. The Durban-based franchise has lost out on lock, Tyler Paul to a club in Japan and Springbok inside centre, Andre Estherhuizen to the Harlequins in England.

The Vodacom Bulls: The Pretoria-based outfit has been busy with their off-field activities as they’ve announced the arrival of Jake White as their new Director of Rugby. They’ve also acquired the services of Edgar Rathbone as their new CEO. Rathbone was at the Lions and is now looking to rebuild the Pretoria franchise with Jake White.

The Bulls are rumoured to be close to signing Cheetahs locks Sintu Manjezi, Walt Steenkamp and possibly bringing Jason Jenkins back to the side.

The Bulls have also re-signed Duane Vermuelan, Marcel Van Der Merwe and veteran utility back, Gio Aplon. The return of Arno Botha has probably been the biggest transfer news so far as their prodigal son returns from Irish-side, Munster.

The Emirates Lions: The three-time Super Rugby finalist have also been busy in this transfer window. The Jo’burg outfit have lost the services of Springbok hooker, Malcolm Marx. The talented front-rower will be joining Japanese outfit, Kuboto Spears. The Lions also confirmed that wing, Tyrone Green; flyhalf Shaun Reynolds; loose forward, Ruan Vermaak and backline coach, Neil de Bruin were on their way out of the franchise.

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New Zealand rugby has confirmed that a domestic competition that features their Super Rugby franchises will be called Super Rugby Aotearoa.

The New Zealand domestic competition will begin on 13 June following the announcement that the country will move to Covid-19 alert level two.

The teams will be playing each other home and away over 10 weeks, with two matches every weekend at 5:05pm on Saturdays and 3:05pm on Sundays (New Zealand time).

In the opening weekend, the Highlanders will play the Chiefs in Dunedin on Saturday, 13 June, with the Blues playing the Hurricanes in Auckland the following day.

Supersport has shared a long relationship with Sky Sports NZ and the two sports broadcasters could come to an agreement but it will be an early one for local rugby fans with Saturday’s matches all kicking off at 7.05am (SA time), while the Sunday matches get under way at 5.05am (SA time).

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