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Waratahs are keen to add South African lock Le Roux Roets to their 2019 Super Rugby roster, head coach Daryl Gibson confirmed.
According to the Rugbycomau, the Australian franchise recruited Roets, a 200cm, 135kg lock who is currently playing for the Pumas in the Currie Cup.
The 23-year-old played for Golden Lions and Blue Bulls before heading to Top14 side Racing in 2016.
However, Roets reportedly turned down an offer from Toulon and return to South African to play for the Currie Cup side the Pumas in 2018.
“We are keen on filling that spot, that lock, and we are searching for that profile of lock where we want to add a bit of size to us,” Gibson told rugbycomau.
“We believe we have found that person and are due to announce to that shortly.”
Waratahs are no doubt keen to replicate the abrasive impact of Jacques Potgieter but they have a somewhat mixed history with South African recruits, having also brought over the less impactful Hendrik Roodt.
Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse said of Roets: “He has all the qualities and work ethic that are needed to become a Springbok. He is an aggressive player. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
The Waratahs’ deal with Roets is not yet finalised but the Pretoria-raised big man told Rapport he was on his way.
“He told me they needed a player of my size,” Roets told the Afrikaans-language paper.
“They are looking for someone who can come across the advantage line.”
Source: Rugby 365 and @rugbycomau
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