Sale Sharks or the Natal Sharks? This is the choice that stalwart Jacques Botes had to make, but in the end he has signed a new two-year deal with the Durban franchise.
The hard-working flanker said he had been in talks with the English Premiership club but last week committed himself to another couple of years in the black and white strip of the Durban side.
Botes has accumulated nearly 150 combined caps for the coastal franchise after making his debut in 2005 and holds the Sharks record for playing the most consecutive Super Rugby games – 71.
Often underrated, the 29-year-old is an integral member of the team, with his leadership and experience complemented by his tireless work-rate and exemplary defence.
Botes has been in impressive form in 2010, earning two consecutive man-of-the-match awards mid-season and scoring three tries in the Super 14, equal highest for the Sharks this season.
Botes said he was “excited and extremely pleased” to have signed the new deal and it certainly is good news for the Sharks as well that he has taken this decision.
Similarly, discussions are sure to be ongoing with a number of players who will be out of contract at the end of 2010 but Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl said that by and large most deals or decisions would only be divulged in October or November.
However, it will be interesting to see whether there are a few new recruits joining the Sharks ahead of the Currie Cup in order to bolster the squad in key areas.
Notably, the Sharks’ backline resources have been a little thin in 2010 but the Currie Cup is sure to provide an opportunity for some up-and-coming local players to once again make their mark.
The likes of Vodacom Cup participants, scrumhalf Charl McLeod, centre Jean Stemmet, fullback Mark Richards and Cronje brothers, Ross and Guy, are likely to come into the mix.
Sharks Academy managing director Hans Scriba said there certainly were a number of youngsters coming through the ranks.
“There will be some very good backline players coming through from the Sharks Academy in the Currie Cup, hopefully in 2010 already, and also in the next two years into the Super 14.
Many of them played Vodacom Cup and are still under 21 in 2010.
“There are six academy players currently in the SA under-20 squad and we have some very good under-19 backline players in the academy, so good players are coming through.
“The next Pat Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo, Frans Steyn or JP Pietersen might not be that far off!”
This article was written by Craig Lewis courtesy of The Daily News
Tweet
What happened to Brussow joining the Sharks after the 2010 super 14
Good news, he is a leader and will have a good influence on the team even if he is not playing
looks like I was wrong…
I think it may be time for a new lot of loosies to get in at CC level. Think Daniel, Rhodes, Ndlovu, Downey…
I think Botes has served us well but I hoped it was time for other pastures.
Ah well, things could be worse than Jacques around for another 2 years. But we still need a better fetcher type flank uncovered if we are to compete.
@Oubaas2009 (Comment 5) : well, I’d rather have Jacques on his current form than on the sort of form he’s shown in the last 2 seasons…
This signing is good news.
This is better news.
There are six academy players currently in the SA under-20 squad and we have some very good under-19 backline players in the academy, so good players are coming through.
“The next Pat Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo, Frans Steyn or JP Pietersen might not be that far off!”
Brilliant! Best news I have heard this year for the sharks until jdv signs. JB, thanks for your loyalty. Much appreciated.
Good news
Good news! Jacques, hou Potch Gim se naam hoog ou maat!
@robdylan (Comment 6) : I thought his start to the season was poor to be honest.
His last 3-4 games he was back to form, agreed.
Good news. He was not ontop of his game the last few years but has bounced back during this years S14. I just hope he carries on playing like he has during the S14
@robdylan (Comment 4) : Be happy about it.
@klempie (Comment 13) : I like JB, don’t get me wrong. He has looked a LOT better when playing with two real bruisers, though.
This is great news just great
and it just shows, some players where their loyalty lies
BLACK AND WHITE IS ALL THAT MATTERS
@KSA Stormer © (Comment 7) : Well me hope so we need to start wining and to start off with the CC and then the S15 it would just be great if we also can the whole years trophys in our Sharks Tank