A rather speculative report in France’s l’Equipe newspaper suggest that 34-year-old French international Clément Poitrenaud may be on his way to Durban.
Details are sketchy (and in French), but it almost sounds as though the fullback-cum-centre, currently with Toulouse, is heading down to Sharks land for trials and a medical assessment ahead of some sort of deal, although it’s really not clear yet exactly what that deal would be. Mention is made of the 2017 Currie Cup, but that seems rather strange, unless this is a move planned for the end of the current European season.
Treat this as rumour until I obtain confirmation from Kings Park.
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If he is fit, and has “french flair” with I am unsure of if he does. I am sure he could ad value, but looking at news articles he announced his retirement not so long ago?
From Sky Sports : Full-back Clement Poitrenaud has called time on his playing career with Toulouse and France following a season marred by injury.
Poitrenaud, who was capped 47 times by his country, began his playing days with the club under Guy Noves when just 19 in 2001.
He became a stalwart in the Toulouse side that won four national titles between 2001 and 2012 and three European Cups. He also played for France in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups and won three Six Nations crowns.
“The club decided against offering me a contract extension and so I decided to end my career at Stade Toulouse because I cannot see myself playing for another club in France or in Europe,” said the 33-year-old.
Despite the nagging ankle injury which sidelined him this campaign, Poitrenaud insists his physical state was not the reason for his decision, adding he intends to play Pro Rugby in the United States next year.
Poitrenaud, who can also play at centre, says he will remain in close contact with Toulouse with talks already ongoing over a ‘new project’ he is unwilling to speak further on.
Now why are we looking at reinvesting in someone who AGAIN is marred by injuries? !
Let the bitching begin……
@JD (Comment 2) : Read what I said and think for your self.
@JD (Comment 2) : Won’t bitch about it but I do want to figure out why we would go and do something like this? It doesn’t make any sense.
Well lets see how he goes in his speculative trial and medical assessments. However I feel we are thin at fullback and a 47 test veteran would be an asset in my opinion.
@Uli Boelie (Comment 3) : not aimed at your comment. I also saw he’s apparently retired so don’t know how or what even made them think about the move/rumour. Maybe they wanted someone to help Odwa lift the average age of the backs?!?!
Well for 1 thing 34 is old and comes with higher injury risks. But sharks like to give their medical budget as much excersize as possible. Secondly Bosch and April and Smith should not be made to wait behind a mercenary. But that’s just my opinion. If the rumour is true that is. Sharks have long been a retirement home for pensioners and over the hill artefacts. We are in the medical rehabilitation and museum business it seems rugby is for the money that is left over.
@JD (Comment 6) : 😆
@Quintin (Comment 4) : @Uli Boelie (Comment 8) : hahaha not sure if I must be please because the two of you replied so quickly to my troll or if I must be disappointed at not getting more reactions 😉
Hope he has enough space in his baggage to squeeze Fred Michalak in.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 10) : amen to that!
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 10) : @robdylan (Comment 11) : Fred should not take to much space so maybe can fit him in his carry on baggage?!?!
This could be a very good thing,we are so hopelessly thin at the back,we never replaced Willie and have hung onto Odwa into his dottage.
Most of the Frenchman who have come to theSharks over the years have been well worth their salaries.Thierry , Olivier Roumat,Michilak and Mendes who was an Argentinian but made his name in France.
Let time Freddie came his his career was over,he came for one last season ,then Pat was injured and he had to play,played himself back into the French side and is still playing.
We are in desperate need of a backline player who can defend,
The best Sharks teams almost always had a french player in 😆 But yeah, when I saw the headline I was so hoping it’s Freddie returning for a bit.
French influence has only ever been good for the Sharks,bring him on
@KingRiaan (Comment 14) : from your lips to Pators Bosses ears mate
I reckon bringing any international in for a bit is a positive thing. They bring different set of skills and a mindset and share it amongst the team. I feel even Alex Goode had a positive influence on us. We should look to include 1 test veteran a season to our squad just to keep new ideas in the squad.
@Hulk (Comment 17) : I tried so hard to erase Andy Bad from my memory! Thanks for that lol.
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 18) : still better than Epi Taione and way better than Matt “too fat” Stevens!!!!!
@Hulk (Comment 17) : @West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 18) : think Goode used the same hairdresser as Cabous van der Westhuizen?!
@JD (Comment 20) : The skullet was that season “hot” new look 😆
@JD (Comment 19) : Dude! Why are you doing this to me?? Do you realise how long its taken me to erase those names from my head
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXCLZEhI8X8
Back when we had some French flair and some real manne in the team
http://intheloose.com/2015/05/04/10-reasons-andy-goode-is-actually-englands-greatest-ever-fly-half/
@Hulk (Comment 21) : you known it 😉
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 22) : hahahaha just had to!!!
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 25) : hahaha very funny just have to love the guy even if it’s only for the guts to wear your hair like he did!!! The baldlet – all party at the back and nothing in front.
I’ve never heard of this French geezer and players from afar are a 50/50 call…Heads: Michalak; Tails: Mouritz Botha, Dave McDuling, Juan Hernandez…the list goes on, more tails than heads I’m afraid, but if we’re going to go with foreign chaps, how about Herrera and Landajo from los Jaguares.
@SeanJeff (Comment 29) : think it’s about money. Guys like Herrera and Landajo will be very expensive.
How old is Freddie the frog? He still plays a great game. Stefan terreblanche could have too. He retired too early.
@coolfusion (Comment 31) : actually French Fred turns 34 tomorrow. So happy birthday to him!!!
@coolfusion (Comment 31) : I agree I miss his Arthur Murrey impersonations as he used to dance with the opposition as they ran past,through and around him on their way to score tries against the Sharks,like the Lions in that CC final,amazing stuff
@JD (Comment 32) : yes he is pure class