Full Story: https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/chiefs-lure-kirsten-bulls/

The 25-year-old, who is equally adept at lock or in the loose trio, joined the Bulls’ ranks in 2012 and made his Currie Cup debut in 2015 and his Vodacom Super Rugby debut in 2016.

Commenting on his move to the Exeter Chiefs, Kirsten said: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve been waiting a while for the visa, but now that has been sorted, it’s great to be here and to be part of what is a winning team.’
‘If you ask any South African player, they want to come here and have a taste of the Premiership. They want to see how they go because it’s a great challenge, but one which ultimately makes you improve as a player.
‘I’m expecting a more physical game here compared to that of Super Rugby. That will certainly fit my game, as will the quality which is very good here. For me, I like the physical battle – especially against the other pack – so I can’t wait to get started.’

Full Story: https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/chiefs-lure-kirsten-bulls/

It’s play-off time in the Guinness PRO14 with the Scarlets hosting South African newbies the Cheetahs and Munster welcoming Edinburgh to Limerick in this weekend’s two ‘semi-final qualifiers’.

After 21 rounds of the regular season, which was split into two conferences for the first time, rugby writer Rob Lloyd has selected his team of the tournament.

Like the official PRO14 ‘Dream Team’, players must have played at least 10 matches, which rules out the likes of Leinster fly-half Johnny Sexton, who has featured in just four championship matches this term, his Ireland half-back partner Conor Murray, Glasgow full-back Stuart Hogg and Scarlets’ international No. 15 Leigh Halfpenny.

Six Welsh-based players make the cut.

15: Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh)

This could have gone either way with Leinster starlet Jordan Larmour dazzling in the opening half of the season.

Kinghorn, who was once on books of Scottish football side Hearts, has been a potent counter-attacking threat for a team transformed under the stewardship of Richard Cockerill this season.

He has made more metres than any player in the competition and was rewarded with a first Scotland cap in the Calcutta Cup victory over England at Murrayfield.

Scarlets-bound Cheetah Clayton Blommetjies and the ever-reliable Dan Evans are others worthy of mention.

14: Charles Piutau (Ulster)

Ulster’s Charles Piutau occupies the highest paid position in the Guinness PRO14 this season (Image: PA Wire)

Piutau will become one of the highest paid players in world rugby when he joins the new Bristol Bears family this summer and has enjoyed another standout campaign in Belfast.

Whether at wing or full-back, he has the ability to beat the first defender and off-load at the right time and finished the regular season joint top for most carries and defenders beaten.

A class act who leaves a gaping void at the Kingspan.

The unheralded Barry Daly of Leinster made a strong case after topping the league’ try-scoring chart.

13: Thomas Farrell (Connacht)

Statistics only tell some of the story, but Farrell must be doing something right to top the table for most carries and most off-loads this season. He is also third in the amount of defenders beaten.

In a season to forget at the Sportsground, the 24-year-old has been one to catch the eye.

Cheetahs skipper Francois Venter has been an integral player in the South African side’s play-off challenge, while Ray Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues) and Sam Arnold (Munster) have had their moments.

12: Rory Scannell (Munster)

Scannell may not get much recognition at international level, but he is a key cog in the Munster machine with an eye for a gap and smart off-loading game.

Hadleigh Parkes has again been Mr Consistent for the defending champions, while Aussie-born Sam Johnson has impressed in the Glasgow midfield.

11: Makazole Mapimpi (Cheetahs)

Makazole Mapimpi scores for the Cheetahs against the Ospreys (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

The speedster has lit up the competition for the South African new boys, blazing a trail on the Highveld with 10 tries in 13 games before joining the Sharks ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

A nod to Edinburgh flyer Duhan van der Merwe, Benetton’s Monty Ioane, Leinster’s marquee Kiwi signing James Lowe and Scarlets’ Wales international Steff Evans, who was on fire at the start of the campaign.

10: Jarrod Evans (Cardiff Blues)

It’s been a breakthrough season for 22-year-old Evans, who has delivered a string of headline-grabbing displays at the Arms Park and came agonisingly close to taking home the league’s golden boot award.

He gets the vote ahead of Wales No. 10 Dan Biggar, who has won four man-of-the-match awards in his farewell season at the Liberty.

Rhys Patchell has continued to make the Scarlets three-quarter line tick, while Benetton’s Kiwi play-maker Marty Banks has played a major part in the resurgence at Treviso.

9: George Horne (Glasgow)

Glasgow’s player of the year just edges out Ulster’s John Cooney, who has proven an outstanding replacement for fans favourite Ruan Pienaar in Belfast.

Horne has showcased his sevens skills with some dazzling displays and for last weekend’s derby finale against Edinburgh he earned the nod ahead of internationals Ali Price and Henry Pyrgos. Nine tries from eight starts is some return for the 22-year-old.

1: Rob Evans (Scarlets)

Rob Evans of Scarlets finds space against the Dragons on Judgement Day (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

The Wales loose-head’s scrummaging performances have been as impressive as his renowned ball-handling displays of late, helping give the Scarlets’ set-piece dominance in the wins over Glasgow and the Dragons.

The powerful Ox Nche has been one of a number of Cheetahs players to have made their mark on the tournament.

2: Torsten van Jaarsveld (Cheetahs)

The Namibian international has played in all bar one match of the South Africans’ debut season.

A lively operator in the loose, he has also played a big part in a slick Cheetahs set-piece. Crossed for five tries before the end of September.

A shout out to Wales international Elliot Dee, who has been head and shoulders above the rest at Rodney Parade, while Sean Cronin (Leinster), Stuart McInally (Edinburgh) and Ken Owens (Scarlets) have been top-notch performers.

3: Dmitri Arhip (Ospreys)

Ospreys prop Dmitri Arhip

The bearded Moldovan tight-head has helped transform the Ospreys scrum in recent seasons and he will be sorely missed when he heads to France in the summer.

Leinster’s Tadhg Furlong is the best No. 3 in world rugby at the moment, but he has only featured in six PRO14 matches this term.

4: Tadhg Beirne (Scarlets)

Tadhg Beirne of Scarlets beats Thomas Davies to score against the Dragons

The first name on the team-sheet.

Beirne has pilfered a competition record 37 turnovers, 15 more than his nearest rival in his final season at Parc y Scarlets.

Whether selected at lock or in the back row, Beirne and his trademark blue headgear has been standing out throughout a campaign that sees the Munster-bound forward also lead the region’s PRO14 try tally.

A leading contender for player of the season.

5: Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys)

Alun Wyn Jones of Ospreys

A tight call, but the Wales and Ospreys skipper just keeps on delivering at every level.

Munster’s new South African import Jean Kleyn has added steel, while Iain Henderson has been a driving force in Belfast, but Jones, along with Biggar, has played a major role in helping keep the Ospreys’ Champions Cup hopes alive.

6: Scott Fardy (Leinster)

Leinster have a history of striking gold with their overseas signings and the tough-as-teak Wallaby has been another nugget.

Aaron Shingler has been a model of consistency for the Scarlets, while the Kings’ Andisa Ntsila has shone in a losing cause.The Latest Welsh Rugby News

7: Callum Gibbins (Glasgow)

Gibbins arrived from the Hurricanes with a big reputation and the no-nonsense back-rower made an instant impact at Scotstoun, wining the Warriors fans’ player of the month award for September and October and being a major cog in Glasgow securing an early play-off spot.

Ellis Jenkins has been in fine poaching form since returning from his hamstring injury, as has Scarlets openside James Davies after his early-season shoulder surgery.

8: Nick Williams (Cardiff Blues)

Nick Williams made an impact for Cardiff Blues

After a sluggish start, it is no coincidence that when Williams started hitting his stride, so did the Blues. Now 34, the former PRO12 player of the year remains a formidable influence, with and without the ball, where only Beirne has burgled more turnovers than him.

Leinster’s Max Deegan is one to keep an eye on, while at the other end of the age scale, Connacht’s departing talisman John Muldoon has had more memorable seasons, but 19 appearances from 21 is testament to his longevity.

FULL STORY:

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/walesonlines-guinness-pro14-team-year-14611561

Due to two games being played within three days of each other the coaching group headed by Brent Janse van Rensburg are experiencing some challenges to select the teams for the two games. This presents opportunities for players that have not had the same amount of game time to stand up and be counted.

Shabangu, who has donned the Pumas jersey 32 times during the last three seasons, leads a team with a number of Currie Cup debutants, including flank Chris Cloete.

Cloete has been named on the bench for the second week running, but had to withdraw from the game against the Sharks due to illness last weekend.

Lock Cameron Lindsay and flank Stefan Willemse, two other new recruits from the Kings, will make their Currie Cup debuts for the Pumas, along with Cloete, Willie Engelbrecht, Kobus Marais and scrumhalf Theo Maree.

Maree, who has been named as Reynier van Rooyen’s understudy, is on loan from the Blue Bulls.

Van Rooyen is the senior citizen amongst an inexperienced backline with 71 games under his belt.

Sias Ebersohn, who has been playing at fullback and flyhalf in the National Provincial Challenge, will start at inside centre to relieve the pressure on Kobus Marais.

Loosehead prop De-Jay Terblanche will be playing his 165th game in the Pumas which makes him the second most experienced player ever for the Pumas/South Eastern Transvaal.

Flank Francois Rossouw is still the record holder in 183, followed by Terblanche on 164 and Corné Steenkamp on 159.

Pumas: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Jean-Paul Lewis, 13 Gerrit Smith, 12 Sias Ebersohn, 11 Ruwellyn Isbell, 10 Kobus Marais, 9 Reynier van Rooyen, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Brian Shabangu (captain), 5 Cameron Lindsay, 4 Stephan Greeff, 3 Jacques Kotze, 2 Mark Pretorius, 1 De-Jay Terblanche.
Replacements: 16 Frank Herne, 17 Louis Albertse, 18 Jannie Stander, 19 Chris Cloete, 20 Theo Maree, 21 Justin van Staden, 22 Jerome Pretorius.

Date: Saturday, August 5
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 13.00 (11.00 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Berry
Assistant referees: Divan Uys, Kwezi Mqomboti
TMO: Joey Klaaste-Salmans

See Full article at http://www.rugby365.com/tournaments/currie-cup/80426-shabangu-leads-new-look-pumas

Cape Town – Stormers coach Robbie Fleck has limited options at flyhalf for Friday’s Super Rugby clash against the Blues at Newlands, but one of those comes in the form of a familiar face at Newlands – Joe Pietersen.

The 32-year-old, who represented the Sharks in last year’s competition, has been training with the Stormers for most of the 2017 Super Rugby campaign during his new club’s (Japan’s Kamaishi Seawaves) off-season.

Fleck confirmed on Monday from Cape Town that Pietersen was an option for him at No 10, while wing Dillyn Leyds and Brandon Thomson would also come into the mix.

Thomson has been in decent form for the Western Province SuperSport Rugby Challenge team, but he has now been called up to the Super Rugby squad.

Pietersen played for the Stormers between 2006 and 2010 and then again from 2012 to 2013, and with Robert du Preez, Jean-Luc du Plessis and Kurt Coleman all out injured, Fleck has a tough decision to make at pivot.

Another option would have been Damian Willemse, but he is with the SA U-20 camp currently preparing for this year’s World Rugby U-20 Championship in Georgia.

There is some good news on the injury front with Springboks Damian de Allende and Juan de Jongh both fit again and available for selection once more.

Sevens superstar Seabelo Senatla is also back, and his return to the left wing could potentially open up a path for Leyds to play at flyhalf.

Full Story: http://m.sport24.co.za/sport24/Rugby/SuperRugby/fleck-to-turn-to-familiar-face-at-no-10-20170515

Sport24 asked: You were born in Scotland, raised in England and honed your playing career in South Africa. How would you describe your rugby journey?

Huw Jones: It’s definitely been an interesting journey to reach the top of the professional game and I don’t think many people can say that they have the same back story. I never expected my career to work out this way but I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I have lived in South Africa for nearly five years now and cut my teeth playing for UCT in the Varsity Cup. It’s been a pleasure to play for Western Province and the Stormers and to debut for Scotland in 2016 was a dream come true. It’s really encouraging and humbling to have been described as one of the breakthrough players of the most recent Six Nations campaign. The tournament was really enjoyable from an individual and team perspective. It’s frustrating to have picked up a hamstring injury in our final fixture against Italy because I would have liked to have continued with the form I was showing. At the moment, the recovery window is four months until I’m playing again. The physiotherapists are doing their best to get me back on the field as soon as possible and I would love to don the Stormers jersey again before I continue my career abroad. Super Rugby concludes in August so the Stormers could potentially reach the final and I could turn out for them again this season. However, I won’t be holding my breath as injury recovery can prove unpredictable and I’m aware of the fact that it will be challenging to break into the first XV on account of the way my teammates are currently performing.

Sport24 asked:  Why did you decide to pen a two-year deal with Glasgow Warriors?

Huw Jones: As I’m playing for the Scottish national team it made sense for me to play my rugby in Scotland moving forward. It will be tough to leave Cape Town because I love it here but I had made the decision to return to the United Kingdom even before I arrived in South Africa. WP Rugby tried to keep me but they are fine with my decision to further my career abroad. From day one, I have been clear in my communication with them and they have always known of my intentions to return home. Glasgow are doing very well this year and look like they could continue to achieve over the next couple of years. The chance to be part of a successful club was a big factor when I was making my decision. Playing professional rugby in the northern hemisphere for the first time will be a great challenge and I’m looking forward to linking up with New Zealand coaches Dave Rennie and Jason O’Halloran from the start of next season. I’ve worked with O’Halloran in his capacity as Scotland backline coach, so that is really encouraging and Rennie is one of the best coaches in the world. The PRO12 looks like an exciting championship with a host of strong teams. I’m relishing a new set of away fixtures as well as the opportunity to see more of Ireland, Wales and Italy on my travels. The game up north will be slightly different to what I have experienced in the south. There is more of an emphasis on set-piece and tactical kicking in the former hemisphere owing to less favourable weather conditions. However, from a flair point of view, Glasgow Warriors pretty much boasts the bulk of the Scotland backline, so there is an intent from us to attack and I won’t be looking to change my game.

Sport24 asked: Your assessment of Warren Gatland’s 41-man British and Irish Lions squad?

Huw Jones: It’s the strongest British and Irish Lions squad I have ever seen selected and competition for places was hotly contested. There is strength in depth and all the players that have been picked are deserving of their places. However, it’s a shame that more Scottish players haven’t been chosen (only two Scots have been selected for the tour to New Zealand from June) because I agree with Jim Telfer who said Scotland have the most creative back division in northern hemisphere rugby. We attacked really well in the Six Nations and scored some cracking tries. I’m sad for my national teammates who didn’t make it but I’m absolutely delighted for Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour who have cracked the nod. Stuart is nailed on for a starting team berth in most people’s eyes, including mine, and Tommy is definitely deserving of his place even though he has not been spoken of by many people. For me, he is the standout winger in Europe at the moment. In terms of the centres that have been selected, I believe it’s a strong mix. Rob Howley has said that he is looking for pace, power and X-factor and, in the midfielders they have selected, that is exactly what they will get. On a personal front, missing out on this year’s tour gives me more motivation to aim for the next Lions tour which will take place in South Africa in 2021. I see it as a four-year plan and if I continue to produce consistent performances for Scotland, I hope to impress the British and Irish Lions selectors.

Sport24 asked: Dillyn Leyds has been in fine fettle. Is he deserving of a national call-up?

Huw Jones: Definitely. If Dillyn isn’t a Springbok by the end of this year then I will eat my hat. For me, he has to be in the national squad because out of all the back-three players in South Africa at the moment, he is the one who has shown the best form during Super Rugby. There are naturally players who’ve already earned Springbok caps that will definitely be in the mix come the June Test series against France, but on form alone Dillyn has to be included in the Springbok squad. I would like to see Allister Coetzee bring more of an attacking game to the Springboks because he has players like Leyds at his disposal. If the Boks show more attacking intent this year it will be really encouraging. If you look at the abundance of talent in South African rugby there is no reason the Springboks should be struggling. Coetzee will definitely be taking note of the way the Stormers are playing and the personnel who are putting their hands up. Last year, Coetzee clearly took heed of what the Lions did because he picked a plethora of Lions players and this June I foresee a number of Stormers players being part of the national team fold due to a consistent run of Super Rugby results.

Sport24 asked: Which home-based players are potential Springbok skippers in the making?

Huw Jones: Siya Kolisi and Warren Whiteley have put their hands up for the Springbok captaincy this season and Eben Etzebeth is growing into his role as Stormers vice-captain. However, I believe too much pressure is often placed on one man. The Springboks will need to put a leadership group together because it will drive the team forward. At the Stormers, we have a core group of leaders who are always on the same page and they are crucial in driving training sessions and team meetings. It’s refreshing for players to hear from other players and not just the coaches all of the time. It’s been massive for us and it would definitely be good for the Springboks if they followed suit.

Sport24 asked: What other factors have informed the Stormers’ success this season?

Huw Jones: There are a number of factors that have contributed to our success so far this campaign and it all started in the pre-season. The pre-season was different to anything that we have done before. We trained at a different level of intensity and placed an emphasis on honing our skills with new assistant coach Paul Feeney at the helm. Much of the training we do can be termed ‘chaos training’ because literally anything goes. It’s not about playing beautiful structure but rather about feeding of each other and operating instinctively. When you have a New Zealand coach who knows what he’s talking about telling you what you need to do, you listen. The skill level has always been there but it’s about refining our skills and honing them in a game environment. In terms of Dillyn’s offload against the Chiefs not many players would have been brave enough to try that. But he was and it worked on that occasion. Paul has proved the catalyst in us improving our skills and backing our instincts, but Robbie Fleck must be credited for implementing the plan and getting him involved.

Sport24 asked: What are your expectations for the Stormers’ tour of New Zealand?

Huw Jones: The fact that many people aren’t giving the Stormers a chance on their antipodean tour will definitely spur my teammates on and they will want to prove a point. People said we would take another 60-pointer against the Chiefs but the team turned up and showed what we can do. Granted, it will be much tougher playing away from home. We won’t have the crowd support in our favour but I can tell you that we are up for it. I’m backing the boys to be competitive and get the results because I know how well we can play when we are firing on all cylinders. In terms of team objectives, two wins on tour will constitute a successful sojourn and three victories would be unbelievable. We are under no illusions that New Zealand is a tough place to tour but beating the Chiefs this season has shown how far we have come since we were smashed by the same opponents last season. We face quality opposition in the form of the Crusaders on Saturday to kick off our tour. The Crusaders haven’t been one of the strongest New Zealand teams in the last couple of years but are in a rich vein of form and boast a long list of All Blacks on their team sheet. In order to prove successful we need to make the correct decisions under intense pressure and play in the right areas of the field. The Crusaders, and all New Zealand teams for that matter, are deadly from turn-over ball. As such, we need to keep hold of ball possession and endeavour to play the game on our terms.

Full Article: http://m.sport24.co.za/sport24/Rugby/SuperRugby/huw-jones-chats-to-sport24-20170421

The South African Lock extends his contract with the FCG.

You’ve just extended your contract. Until when ?

“I will be in Grenoble until 2020. It was easy for me to sign until this date, because the club has shown me its confidence, and I have confidence in this club. For me and my family, Grenoble is our home since we arrived in France. It would not have been easy to leave. ”

You had a difficult year with an injury that took you away from the field for 6 months. Was the club’s support during this period important?

“It was a painful year for me because of my ankle injury. The club has always been of great support, especially Theo, the physiotherapist, during my rehabilitation. I also went to Capbreton to be able to do a part of my rehabilitation. This shows that the club has tried different things so I can get back to the competition. ”

Will you also prepare your post-career with the club?

“It’s very important to me. I’m not old, I’m only 29, but since the birth of my son, it has become something even more important. I want to work with the club, especially through training. I have a lot of passion, so I’ll see what I’m going to do, but maybe it will be in the building, in the project direction, and so on. ”

The FCG could go down in Pro D2 at the end of the season. Is that something you’re worried about?

“I speak for myself, but I still think very strongly that we can stay in Top 14. Of course, in the head of everyone, we know that there is the possibility that the club descends into Pro D2. It would be a big challenge. In my personality, one does not escape. As I said, I love Grenoble, the city, people. This made it easy to stay and fight to get back in Top 14 if we were to go down in a few months. ”

See full article here:

http://fcgrugby.com/en/articles/2017/01/16/in-my-personality-one-does-not-escape