Wilhelm Steenkamp will join the Western Force for three Super Rugby seasons starting in 2014.
Currently with the Bulls, Steenkamp has represented three South African franchises and will join his previous Cheetahs teammate Sias Ebersohn in Perth. Steenkamp says he has spoken to Sias every day since talks were initiated and that they are good mates.
Having played for the Bulls, Cheetahs and the Sharks in his career to date, Steenkamp is looking forward to a new challenge. He is quoted as saying the Force are a team that play for a full 80 minutes and never give up, and that he is excited to play for them.
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What the hell, Force are signing foreigners laat dit goed gaan. Apparently also have WP tighthead Chris Heidberg and centre Marcel Brache
Well, Steenkamp is going to have to work on his English. Apparently it isn’t the best.
Otherwise all the best to him. Thought the Force and the other Aussie franchises could only have one marquee player and one junior they hope to transfer into Aussie Gold though.
On a separate note, it looks as though the Bulls are going to be a bit thin at lock next year. If Flip decides he’s headed to Japan all of their Super Rugby experienced locks are gone.
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 1) : Where did you hear that news?
Think Butch should also consider a move like this.
@Uli (Comment 5) : I’d like the Sharks to use Butch to mentor Fred Zeilinga and Pat Lambie. Experience can’t be bought and he could pass his knowledge on.
I liked Wilhelm in a sharks jersey!!! Would rather have wanted him in our squad…
@R Hayward (Comment 7) : To be honest, he’s too much of a journeyman – the only team he didn’t play for in SA were the Lions/Kings and the Stormers.
Think our locks are of a better standard anyway so we wouldn’t gain anything from him.
@ChrisS (Comment 4) : Tank Lanning mentioned it on twitter last week but then i heard it on a local radio station as well. The sports reader is well placed and wont just run with any old nonsense
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 9) : turns out the Force and Rebels have been given a huge amount of leeway in terms of non-Aussie qualified players. From next year, they can have like 8, or something.
Brumbies team that beat lions had 5 (former) saffas in it…