Waratahs snap up Potgieter
Springbok and Bulls flank Jacques Potgieter will not return to Pretoria after his Japanese sojourn, signing a two-year deal with the Waratahs.
According to Rugby 365, Potgieter will join Japanese outfit Fukuoka Sanix Blues this week on a six-month sabbatical, but was expected to return to the Pretoria-based franchise for next year’s Super Rugby tournament.
Potgieter's agent James Adams confirmed the news on Twitter on Monday that he will continue his career in Sydney following his stint in Japan.
"(sic)I can confirm that @JacquePotgieter has signed a 2yr contract with @NSWWaratahs to play 2014 & 2015 #Super15 @InTouchSports @BlueBullsRugby," Adams announced on Twitter.
Potgieter was one of eight Springboks who exited Loftus Versfeld after the Super Rugby season.
Lock Juandré Kruger (Racing Metro), fellow flank Dewald Potgieter (Yamaha RFC), hooker Chilliboy Ralepelle (Toulouse), scrumhalf Jano Vermaak (Toulouse), flyhalf Morné Steyn (Stade Francais), fullback Zane Kirchner (Leinster) and centre Wynand Olivier (Montpellier) have all joined overseas clubs.
Adams, who’s also the agent of Waylon Murray, confirmed that the Springbok and Southern Kings centre will join the Bulls.
"I can officially confirm that @waylonmurray will be joining @BlueBullsRugby for #2013CurrieCup and has signed till 31 Oct 2015 @InTouchSports," Adams tweeted on Sunday.
It was widely reported on Friday that four Kings players - Murray, loose forward Jacques Engelbrecht, lock David Bulbring and Bok hooker Bandise Maku - had put to paper to join the Bulls.
However, only Murray’s move has been confirmed.
The Bulls also recently announced the signing of Cheetahs scrumhalf Piet van Zyl, with the Springbok No.9 set to link up with the squad at the start of November, and the contract extensions of youngsters Jacques Rossouw (fullback), Travis Ismaiel (wing), Ulrich Beyers (utility back), Irné Herbst (lock), Dennis Visser (lock), Jacques du Plessis (No.8), Schalk van Heerden (lock), Paul Willemse (lock), Lodewyk de Jager (centre, not the Cheetahs lock) and Dries Swanepoel (centre).
Own Correspondent/Rugby 365