The European season has come to an end for 2016 and some clubs have won trophies, while others have not. One thing that is for sure, though, is that all of those clubs are now turning their attention to next season’s playing roster and that means no shortage of stories – whether real or fictitious – about big money offers to players.
Against this backdrop, a few specific nuggets have caught the eye of Sharks fans, none more so than the rumours of Willie le Roux’s impending departure to Wasps. While sources can’t all agree as to whether this move is a done deal or simply one that’s being talked about, the old adage of “no smoke without fire” surely has to come into play and the reality here is that with le Roux a free agent after Super Rugby, there is certainly not going to be a shortage of big money offers for his services.
The same is, of course, true of the du Preez twins, Jean-Luc and Daniel. While they surely won’t be able to command quite the same package on the overseas market at their age as the Bok veteran le Roux could, any fool with eyes can see their potential and with the pair likewise out of contract at the end of the year, any number of offers are certain to be on the table. Rumours of Toulon interest are probably on the money – let’s face it, Toulon are interested in all good players and it’s a big compliment to the twins that they’re on that sort of radar while still under the age of 21.
So what’s going to happen? The truth is, we really don’t know. Players have a huge number of variables to take into account when making these decisions and the sad reality is that, money-wise, it’s never going to pay to stay. The lure of Bok glory and the familiar South African way of life can be a powerful motivating factor on the one side; then again, some payers want to see the world and in le Roux’s case, have already tasted a fair bit of the test rugby cake.
If I were a betting man, I’d put money on the du Preez twins staying, because I believe they still have a lot more to prove in Sharks colours. Le Roux is harder to call, because any deal with the Sharks would need to be topped up fro the Japanese (or even Springbok) coffers in order to even be in the ballpark of the Wasps offer. Personally, I really hope he stays, because I think he’s good for us. If he doesn’t, well – I’m afraid that’s just the way rugby works in South Africa in 2016.
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If he stays will there be trouble and if they go will it be double?
Why do we sign one and two year contracts?
I won’t be too surprised if the du Preez twins accept offers overseas as well. The importance put on transformation makes it difficult for them to find themselves in Bok jerseys any time soon, regardless of their abilities. What motivates them to stay true to a coutry where all the odds are against them?
@Dragnipur (Comment 2) : i see this happen at the Lions as well . I think this is so the player can keep his options open . a lot can change in 2 years in Rugby .
At least we will have the “it’s a rebuilding year” excuse again next year.
@Dragnipur (Comment 2) : we sign the contract the player is prepared to sign.
“Darling John, you gotta let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
If you say that you are mine
I’ll be there till the end of time
So you gotta let me know
Should I stay or should I go?”
Thank you to The Clash for this. Jeepers I used to love this band, still do.
@boertjie101 (Comment 3) : More Boertjie, are you the one that grew up on the banks of the Tugela in Colenso?
Losing Willie will be a loss, but losing the twins I feel would be a bigger loss. No point getting carried away at this point. Lets wait to see how things unfold.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 8) : Are you referring to Tugela Game Ranch?
Jackpot to join the Bulls with immediate effect?
I cant blame any player for wanting to secure his financial future by taking an overseas offer. Im sure many many of us would do it as well in their position and also ours in business. However, if a guy is going to leave i prefer he just come out and say he is taking the offer etc. Definitely not going to hold it against him. Its always sad losing quality players but the truth of the matter is that our economy cannot cater for the needs of so many top professionals…
@JarsonX (Comment 11) : looks like it
Top headline there Rob! Well played sir haha
With no official statement yet, it is difficult to determine who will do what. So, best to keep on speculating right? In the case of Willie, where there is smoke.. and with the Sharks confirming there is interest from the Wasps, I guess only time will tell. They probably put an offer on the table and now it is up to Smittie & co to see if we can match it.
I don’t really want to go into the Jacques Potgieter story, but since we are discussing player movements.. this one is probably the worst since *The-One-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named*. Not in terms of the actual player leaving, but because of the circumstances around it. It does leave a sour taste in one’s mouth.
@Uli Boelie (Comment 10) : No, but isnt that Smitties, plus friends. No there was a Boertjie on another site that grew up in Colenso. Interesting bloke but he disliked the Sharks.
@JarsonX (Comment 11) : I read that too, but thought I’d wait for Rob to post the article. Seems Sharks Medical center incurs the costs yet again (or maybe it’s to show the twins that we are serious about them being the future, conspiracy theory…)
@Another Nick (Comment 14) : I’m also disgusted by this. Story is up.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 15) : Its all been land claimed, except half of Emaweni game ranch where my in-laws runs the ranch.
@Hulk (Comment 16) : that may not be a conspiracy theory at all.
@Dragnipur (Comment 2) : @Zibbie (Comment 4) : that’s easy to answer. Top players and their agents know they have all the power so just don’t sign longer contracts. If a union wants them you either sign the short term contract or they find another union that will sign it.
The advantage for the unions is that if a player get a serious injury or just don’t perform you’re not bind in a 5 or 6 year contract to pay them even if they don’t play.
Nice headline Rob 😀
Time for the Sharks to invest in the future – Bosch and April at fullback…April to start CC at fh though.
Will Joe be around for CC, or is he off to Japan?
@Salmonoid, nope not the same person. I have always loved the Sharks and always will. Just to clear any confusion, I think that the du Preez twins are exceptionally good players and it would be a huge loss for the Sharks as well as the Springboks should they leave our shores for greener pastures.
@boertjie101 (Comment 22) : Glad you love the Sharks and are posting here.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 21) : As far as i know Joe P is leaving the Sharks after super rugby…Japan 2nd div awaits
@FireTheLooser (Comment 21) : Interesting to see that Bosch is playing at 10 and Libbok at 15 for the juniour Boks.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 25) : Yeh i see Theron sayign that he likes Libbok and Bosch but is trying to see what is the better combo. Bosch-10, Libbok-15 or the other way round…
@robdylan (Comment 19) : Yeah, but until something more concrete surfaces it’s the sort of thinking that starts a very long comments thread
I was hoping next year could be a good year for the Sharks, but losing all these experienced players is resulting in me starting to tone down my expectations.
@robdylan (Comment 19) : surely can find place for both jl dup and jp?jp plays no4 too.
The CC is losing it’s appeal and especially now with more regulations being imposed. Our rugby style is pretty stale as well and the money overseas for top class guys is the way to go. No brainer. Kids will play to be drafted to Europe and Jpn and not to be selected locally like all professionals in SA.
Right, so I’ve been looking and digging, and sadly no rumors of a Coenie signing yet 🙁
That headline
@Die Kriek (Comment 31) : some good news!and I mean it.he should play no1 though.
Perhaps we can save money by using homegrown talent now.Groom someone like April at 15.Another Gio Aplon?
@boertjie101 (Comment 3) : Thing is they can’t ever play international rugby for anyone else. I don’t see them giving up the chance now and moving to France. Toulon would be an especially bad call, they’d be behind Duane, Juan, Armitage etc…
@50shadesofshark (Comment 33) : don’t think Coenie will ever play loose head again as if I remember correctly his neck injuries wouldn’t allow him to play there again.
What happened to the R90mil SARU made availbale to keep bok players in SA???????
Surely this must come into play to keep Willie
@SharksRTB (Comment 37) : They spent it all on fixing the kings and cheeky ‘ s blunders.
@coolfusion (Comment 38) : ja think the most of that money might be used to “sponsor” the Kings!
@boertjie101 (Comment 3) : yes that’s the reality of it also after Corbet cracked the nod all these youngsters that have left or will leave have a chance to play for France and earn big money,its a no brainer
Cokket
@benji (Comment 40) : twins can’t play for France as they played for SA u20. However that might be a option for other youngsters like Tedder, Swirl etc. that did not play for u20’s.
@SharksRTB (Comment 37) : You’re making the mistake of assuming SARU can do something right…
@JD (Comment 42) : If I was one of the twins I’d hang around for 4 years to see if I make the Bok squad. If it doesn’t happen then the logical decision is to take big bucks somewhere else
@the-other-sharky (Comment 44) : A lot can happen in 4yrs though…there will be new kids on the block…
@the-other-sharky (Comment 44) : yes for sure the money will be tempting but I was just commenting on the twins unavailability to play international rugby for another country.