John Smit the new Sharks CEO, Luke Watson back in action, Steve Hansen contract extended, Bok squad announced. All the rugby news you can use …
John Smit will take over from Brian van Zyl as the new Sharks CEO
Luke Watson and lock Darron Nel, who injured his calf in the warm-up prior to their game against the Chiefs on March 15, will play for the EP Vodacom Cup side against SWD in Uitenhage on Friday night.
All Black coach Steve Hansen has extended his contract until after the 2015 World Cup. The former Wales coach and assistant to Graeme Henry with the All Blacks since 2004 was initially given a two-year contract until the end of 2013.
Cheetahs lock Martin Muller has signed a three-year deal with the Newport Gwent Dragons in Wales. The 25-year-old Griquas player is part of the Cheetahs’ 2013 Super Rugby squad but has been sidelined since January with a groin injury. He is expected to leave for Wales after the completion of Super Rugby.
Lions players Jaco Kriel and Andries Coetzee are being assessed by the Sharks as the Durban franchise look to ease their current injury crisis. Flanker Kriel and Coetzee, who can play either wing or fullback, will be looking to join fellow Lions player Franco van der Merwe, already on loan to the Sharks.
Players invited to the first Springbok training camp of 2013, starting on Sunday, the day after the Stormers vs Sharks in Cape Town, and concluding on Tuesday:
Forwards: Tendai Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis, Frans Malherbe, Coenie Oosthuizen, Pat Cilliers, Adriaan Strauss, Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Eben Etzebeth, Flip van der Merwe, Juandré Kruger, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Franco van der Merwe, Siya Kolisi, Marcell Coetzee, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Duane Vermeulen, Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski.
Backs: Jano Vermaak, Francois Hougaard, Pat Lambie, Morné Steyn, Elton Jantjies, Jean de Villiers, Frans Steyn, Juan de Jongh, Jan Serfontein, Robert Ebersohn, Bryan Habana, Lwazi Mvovo, Raymond Rhule, JP Pietersen, Bjorn Basson, Zane Kirchner.
Tuks lock Jannes Kirsten has been called into to SA Under-20 squad to tour Argentina as a replacement for Marvin Orie who broke his leg in the Varsity Cup final. The SA U-20’s travel to Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
