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Exodus: 9 players leaving South Africa after the Rugby World Cup
Rugby union’s once-every-four-year migration from south to north will take place once again when the dust settles on the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France – and before it in some cases.
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While it must be said that there has been some welcome traffic in the other direction too, here we look at nine players that set to leave to South African franchises for Europe ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Siya Kolisi – Racing 92
Easily the biggest exit, Siya Kolisi will be taking his talents to France’s Racing 92. Currently injured, Kolisi’s move to one of France’s most prestigious clubs was effectively an offer the World Cup-winning captain couldn’t refuse. Locked in a race against
Thaakir Abrahams – Lyon
Thaakir Abrahams, a promising young talent, will be making his way to France’s Lyon. The Sharks flyer who has been likened to Cheslin Kolbe will be joining fellow new recruit, Semi Radradra, who has also signed with the Rhone club for the next season.
Carlü Sadie – Bordeaux
Giant Sharks’ prop Carlü Sadie is set to join Bordeaux. It’s the 26-year-old’s second stint in France after spending time with Stade Francais previously. The move to Bordeaux will allow the 138kg prop to further hone his skills and whilst making a name for himself in European rugby.
Thomas du Toit – Bath
Bok tighthead Thomas du Toit has set his sights on England’s Bath were he will link up with head coach Johann van Graan. Known for his size and strength, du Toit has quite been able to establish himself in a Springbok shirt yet, but time is on the 28-year-old’s side.
Henco Venter – Glasgow Warriors
Sharks back-row forward Henco Venter is set to don the colors of Scotland’s Glasgow Warriors. Venter’s relentless work rate and physicality have earned him plaudits in South Africa.
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Steven Kitshoff – Ulster
Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff will be joining Irish province Ulster Rugby after the Rugby World Cup. The Stormers’ prop, known for his scrummaging and powerful ball-carrying ability, will bolster Ulster’s front-row resources.
Ernst van Rhyn – Sale Sharks
Ernst van Rhyn, a versatile forward, is set to join England’s Sale Sharks. Van Rhyn’s ability to play across the back row and lock positions makes him a valuable addition to any team. His move to Sale Sharks will provide him with the opportunity to test himself against some of the best in the English Premiership.
Thembelani Bholi – Valence Romans
Veteran lock Thembelani Bholi is set to embark on a new journey with France’s Valence Romans in the ProD2.
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Marvin Orie – Perpignan
Although not yet confirmed, French Top 14 strugglers Perpignan are reported to be pursuing South African second-row player Marvin Orie to fill an apparrent vacancy at lock.
Comments on RugbyPass
Mark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
9 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
3 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
1 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
9 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments