Springbok flank Schalk Burger and defence consultant Brendan Venter are both strongly being linked with English club side Saracens.
Rapport reports that it is believed Burger’s agents are seeking an early release from his Springbok contract for him to play on a short-term contract later this year. Venter is being lined up to succeed Eddie Jones as director of rugby later this year.
Saracens lost a friendly game to the Stormers 33-43 and beat Boland 52-20 on their South African tour.
It was reported in October last year that Saracens had their eye on top South African players such as Burger, Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers.
Since then it has been reported in England that they are after Burger and Habana as loan players. The club reportedly believes it has the boardroom connections to pull off the deals.
South African company Sail has a share in Premier Team Holdings, who own Saracens, as well as part ownership in Western Province and the Blue Bulls. These two provinces are Burger and Habana’s respective employers.
The plan for Burger is apparently to play a handful of games at Saracens and then return for next year’s Super14. His contract at Western Province runs out in October.
“We heard the rumours, but don’t want to comment now,” said Stormers spokesperson Frikkie Erasmus.
Rob Wagner, managing director of WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd, said they would enter talks with Burger about his future this coming week.
From Wagner and Erasmus’ comments there seems to be some truth behind this article.
12 Days!!!!!!!
Wasn’t this the plan all along? Plus according to reports he has accepted a Bok contract. Sounds similiar to what Carter is doing.
@McLovin (Comment 2) :
You have to wonder if he will say the same thing as Butch James next year. “Too much Rugby”
So IF he does go it will be
Super 14, Lions, 3N, GP and straight back into the S14 2010.
Okay I have to go to bed now, I have a day of WORK tomorrow for a change
Will be scarce to non-existant
WHOOOHOOOO I got a GSP on the Guinness Premiership Superbru.
Pulled a few points ahead of SilverFox.
Matfields real rallying cry….After the Lions we earn pounds
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 6) :
Play well now and your pounds will increase.
Earn pounds later or get pounded now!!!!!! From the warmups it seems as if the bulls have opted to get pounded now.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 7) : hey kazaa! Wassup?
@robdylan (Comment 8) :
Sitting in jeddah Airport,
From Planet Rugby:
Jones to walk from Saracens?
Tuesday 03rd February 2009
Former Australia coach Eddie Jones is rumoured to be considering resigning his post at Saracens due to an increasingly South African outlook at the club.
Reports have also suggested that Springbok flanker Schalk Burger is set for an early SA Rugby release in order to go the other way on a short-term deal with former London Irish coach Brendan Venter taking over in Watford.
Currently co-owned by South African company Sail, who also have a stake in Western Province and the Blue Bulls, it would seem likely that a possible player link between the sides may emerge.
And with the recent news that the owners are also apparently keen for a future ground share with Fulham Football Club in an attempt to boost their domestic attendances, Jones is close to walking out.
It is rumoured that the former Brumbies boss began to feel unhappy when chief executive Mark Sinderberry – his CEO in Canberra – departed Vicarage Road just two months ago.
A decision on Jones’ future is expected as early as next week.
I think a Sharks reciprocal relationship with an English club would be a good thing….and no Rudolph, Bradford doesn’t count.
Schalkie wont take that easily. Maybe I am wrong but that lot is to use to good wine and is one hell of a tight family.
He cant leave the Stormers and WeePee, no way.
@PaarlBok (Comment 12) :
But Schalk and his father are all big buddies with the SAIL directors, so I wouldn’t be surprised.
Sorry it’s Bedford not Bradford
@Dive Pass (Comment 13) : Cant tell but hope you wrong.