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Springbok prop heading home after being 'lured' by Eben
By Kim Ekin
The Sharks have officially confirmed the signing of World Cup-winning prop Vincent Koch who will join the Durban-based club after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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Koch has bounced around Europe this season after he was one 167 players and staff made redundant at Wasps as the English club fell into administration.
After 110 caps for Saracens after joining the Premiership club in 2016, the Springbok never actually got to play for Wasps before the club was upended by financial struggles.
The 33-year-old then picked up a short-term contract to play for Stade Francais in the Top 14 for the rest of the season.
He said that the sway of Springboks teammate Eben Etzebeth influenced his decision to return home to South Africa.
“Eben got lured by Siya Kolisi, and I got lured by Eben,” Koch told AFP.
“Mates from the Springboks made my decision much easier,” he added.
The Sharks were in the market for a prop after losing Thomas du Toit to Bath and the signing of Koch immediately fills that void.
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“The Sharks gave me an opportunity,” he said.
“They said they were keen and were looking to get me on board.
“Thomas du Toit has signed for Bath so there’s an opportunity at tight-head.
“They came to the table and I was more than happy to go to the Sharks,” Koch said.
Koch will return back to South Africa after previous stints at the Bulls and the Stormers.
