Super Rugby 2018

DanDango said:
http://www.sarugbymag.co.za/blog/details/super-rugby-transfers-2017-18

BULLS

In

Tim Agaba (SA Sevens)
Marnitz Boshoff (Connacht)
Thembelani Boli (Kings)
Dayan van der Westhuizen (Kings)
Frans van Wyk (Stormers)
Jano Venter (Lions)

Out

Jacobie Adriaanse (Lions)
Arno Botha (released)
Renaldo Bothma (Harlequins)
Martin Dryer (Kings)
Kefentse Mahlo (released)
Sibahle Maxwane (released
Luther Obi (Cheetahs)
Marnus Schoeman (Pumas)
Tian Schoeman (Bordeaux)
Jan Serfontein (Montpellier)
Piet van Zyl (retired) This is a surprise

LIONS

In

Christiaan Meyer (Griquas)
Khwezi Mona (Pumas)

Out

Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester)
Fabian Booysen (released)
Faf de Klerk (Sale)
Jaques Nel (Kings)
Akker van der Merwe (Sharks)
Jaco van der Walt (Edinburgh)
Hencus van Wyk (Munakata Sanix Blues)

SHARKS

In

Robert du Preez (Stormers)
Ross Geldenhuys (Kings)
Gideon Koegelenberg (Zebre)
Makazole Mapimpi (Cheetahs)
Tyler Paul (Kings)
Louis Schreuder (Kings)
Akker van der Merwe (Lions)
Cameron Wright (Montpellier)
Leolin Zas (Stormers)

Out

Lourens Adriaanse (Pau)
Stephan Coetzee (Kings)
Jean Deysel (Ulster)
Rowan Gouws (Kings)
Francois Kleynhans (Pumas)
Pat Lambie (Racing 92)
Khaya Majola (Kings)
Odwa Ndungane (retired)
Etienne Oosthuizen (Lyon)
Cobus Reinach (Northampton Saints)
S'bura Sithole (Kings)
Hanco Venter (released)

STORMERS

In

Sergeal Petersen (Cheetahs)
Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs)

Out

Bjorn Basson (Oyonnax)
Kurt Coleman (Kings)
Juan de Jongh (Wasps)
Rob du Preez (Sharks)
Rynhardt Elstadt (Toulouse)
Huw Jones (Glasgow)
Oli Kebble (Glasgow)
Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse)
Godlen Masimla (Kings)
Brandon Thompson (Glasgow)
Frans van Wyk (Bulls)
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Very interesting list!!

There so many conclusions one can draw from it! I would love to see a similar list for the NZ and Australian franchises.
 
Last edited:
https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/stormers-confirm-jj-engelbrecht-return-20171211

Stormers confirm JJ Engelbrecht return

Cape Town - The Stormers will have JJ Engelbrecht in their ranks when they get their 2018 Super Rugby campaign underway.

Engelbrecht will make his return to Cape Town once he has concluded his commitments with Japanese side Toyota Industries Shuttles early next year.

The 28-year-old played for the Stormers between 2008 and 2011 before heading off to join the Bulls in Pretoria.

The 12-Test Springbok is a major addition to the Stormers this year as they look to improve on their quarter-final loss to the Chiefs last year.

An extended squad has been training at the High Performance Centre in Bellville in preparation for what will be another demanding campaign.

Head coach Robbie Fleck says that following a short break after the Currie Cup, the players are refreshed and ready to give their all in an effort to further raise standards in all departments.

"Last season we changed our approach in the pre-season, which stood us in good stead throughout the campaign," he said.

"The focus is on making sure that we put the hard work in now, both physically and mentally, in order to prepare the team for what lies ahead next year."

A host of senior players have signed contract extensions with Western Province Rugby beyond the 2018 season.

With the senior Springbok and Stormers trio of Siya Kolisi, Damian de Allende and Steven Kitshoff having recently signed extensions until the end of 2019, they have since been joined by 13 further players in committing to the union for the next two years.
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Stormers secure services of Bulls duo
https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/stormers-secure-services-of-bulls-duo-20171212

Cape Town - The Stormers have secured the services of two promising youngsters from the Bulls.

The Cape franchise on Monday confirmed several contract extensions and new signings.

Tighthead prop Neethling Fouche and flyhalf Joshua Stander are among the new recruits.

The 24-year-old Fouche has not played much for the Bulls but WP Rugby’s director of rugby Gert Smal predicts a bright future for the player.

The 23-year-old Stander, who has been on the Bulls' books since 2013, is seen as a replacement for Robert du Preez, who has since joined the Sharks.

Elsewhere, the Stormers also confirmed the signings of utility back JJ Engelbrecht and wing Sergeal Petersen.

Engelbrecht, who boasts 12 Test caps, will make his return to Cape Town once he has concluded his commitments with Japanese side Toyota Industries Shuttles early next year.

The 28-year-old played for the Stormers between 2008 and 2011 before heading off to join the Bulls in Pretoria.

The 23-year-old Petersen, meanwhile, joins from the Cheetahs.

A host of senior players also signed contract extensions with Western Province Rugby beyond the 2018 season.

With the senior Springbok and Stormers trio of Siya Kolisi, Damian de Allende and Steven Kitshoff having recently signed extensions until the end of 2019, they have since been joined by 13 further players in committing to the union for the next two years.

Experienced forwards JC Janse van Rensburg, Scarra Ntubeni, Nizaam Carr, Caylib Oosthuizen, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Ali Vermaak, as well as exciting younger talents Wilco Louw and Kobus van Dyk have all committed their immediate future to the engine room at Newlands.

Dillyn Leyds, Jano Vermaak, SP Marais, Craig Barry and Michal Hazner are the backline players that have signed extensions.

Of course, the likes of Springboks Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit are also all currently on contracts which run until the end of 2019.

There are also a number of current Under-19 and Under-21 players that have signed contract extensions, with World Rugby Under-20 Championship Player of the Tournament Juarno Augustus and Junior Springbok captain Ernst van Rhyn two of the young talents set to continue their careers with Western Province Rugby.

Former Cheetahs wing Raymond Rhule will join training in January along with the rest of the Springboks in the squad.

Smal said that with a talented wider squad assembled, the hard work starts now for the Stormers.

"We are excited about the depth of talent that we have at our disposal with a number of senior players committing who will be able to provide valuable guidance for the talented youngsters coming through. It is important that we keep on moving forward in terms of our results, playing style and composure in all areas."

The Stormers start their 2018 Super Rugby campaign at home against the Jaguares on February 17.
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I feel bad for poor Arno Botha. He is such a good player and had such potential but had terrible injuries and for him to just be released like that, well that's just sad.
 
OT:

https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/lambies-racing-to-take-on-sharks-in-hong-kong-20171218

Lambie's Racing to take on Sharks in Hong Kong

Durban - Pat Lambie's Racing 92 will play against the Sharks in what will serve as a Super Rugby pre-season friendly for the Durbanites on February 3.

The match will be played in Hong Kong at the Aberdeen Sports Ground.

Lambie has been at the French club since November after he left the Sharks following a series of head knocks that had threatened to end his career.
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Three more names added to the Sunwolves roster,

PROP:

Hencus van Wyk (South African - Munakata Sanix Blues - Uncapped)

CENTRES:

Sione Teaupa (Tongan - Kubota Spears - Capped for Japan)
Michael Little (New Zealander - Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara Dynabors - Uncapped)

More names to come, but I see that there is much unhappiness around the signings. Foreigners and all that… many quality Japanese Top League players absent on the roster. Other than Little being Walter Little's son, they say that he is quite average, notable that he plays in a tier 3 Top League team...

This Japanese side was introduced to Super Rugby to strengthen the national side, now SANZAAR is promoting it with outsiders and these outsiders will be the eligible base going into 2019. It seems Jamie Joseph is sending them back to the John Kirwan days. It is a shame really.
 
https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/bulls-to-wear-sundowns-inspired-away-strip-20180113

Bulls to wear Sundowns-inspired away strip

Cape Town - Rugby catches football fever this weekend ahead of the Sundowns v Pirates Absa Premiership match as technical partner PUMA unveiled the Bulls' 2018 away Super Rugby kit in blue, white and yellow - a tribute to fellow city sporting giants Mamelodi Sundowns, the CAF Champions League winners and most successful team in the Absa Premiership era.

Not being one to shy away from a bold shirt design, the Bulls will face their opponents in true Bafana Ba Style fashion emulating the Brazilians flair on field whilst carrying the same elements found on the Bulls home kit - a 20180 graphic on the chest in celebration of the Rugby Union’s 80-year anniversary in 2018 - ultimately opening up the doors for football and rugby fans to join the Bulls as one family.

“Great uniforms are based on teams, not individuals and because PUMA is extremely privileged to be the official technical partner of both Bulls and Sundowns, we are in the position to exercise our creative license in terms of team kit design,” said PUMA Marketing Director Brett Bellinger.

“We believe this one-of a kind kit is going to be a sought-after collector’s item for both rugby and football fans, especially those who follow both of the city’s giants - two of the strongest sporting brands in South Africa.”
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102be6dccb5a4bd0a8110bb2f9188cd4.jpg
 
The Sunwolves signed 3 more players a week ago:

SCRUM-HALF:

Yutaka Nagare (Japanese - Suntory Goliath - Capped for Japan)

CENTRE:

William Tupou (New Zealander - Coca-Cola Red Sparks – Capped for Japan)

WING:

Hosea Saumaki (Tongan – Canon Eagles – Uncapped)

I am very disappointed in the appointments on the Sunwolves 2018 roster, so little ethnic Japanese (11/32 players) in the squad. The Super Rugby pundits seems to support this motive, but it is going against their, the Sunwolves, inclusion in Super Rugby. This is how their RWC 2019 team will also look like… all the way back to the John Kirwan days.

The Top League (1st tier) concluded today, so we may see more Japanese added to the squad, but I doubt it since they are still on the lookout to contract 2-3 world-class players and their squad is supposedly to be limited to 38 players, that leaves 6 more appointments. Jamie Joseph is more concerned about his own status than improving the nation.

So, yah, the Sunwolves lost my support, this is completely against the spirit in my opinion, because SARU wants the Sunwolves to be a centralised contracting agent to promote the game in Japan.
 
One more Japanese player signed up with the Sunwolves today:

FULL-BACK:

Kotaro Matsushima (Japanese - Suntory Goliath - Capped for Japan)
 
oraclebob said:
Has Kenki Fukuoka left The Sunwolves?
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It is only Ed Quirk which had a 2-year (2017/2018) deal with the Sunwolves. The issue with the Japanese players signing up on the long-term is that many are actual ‘amateurs’ being company employees than rugby players. This is what the Top League control since it is industrially owned.

There are still no excuses, the committee appointed by SANZAAR, the JSA, has a clear plan going on here... I am really under the impression that they want the Sunwolves to be a centralised contracting entity, they pretty much replaced the Western Force in existence. I am more concerned about the national team being watered down by ‘outsiders’ going into the 2019 RWC.

See this game:

[video=youtube_share;lFL0pMR6brI]https://youtu.be/lFL0pMR6brI[/video]

Final between Panasonic and Suntory played on the 14th, they clearly have quality within the Japanese ranks. They question continuity in the backline, but they have Shota Emi which is pretty much a Japanese born Ruan Combrinck…

I can name many Japanese players which are capable to play Super Rugby. On a positive note, their grassroots are now being more inclusive towards rugby which will carry through to the universities, but it is still a 5-10-year plan at the least.
 
Fulcrum29 said:
It is only Ed Quirk which(who) had a 2-year (2017/2018) deal with the Sunwolves. The issue with the Japanese players signing up on the long-term is that many are actual ‘amateurs’ being company employees than rugby players. This is what the Top League control since it is industrially owned.

There are still no excuses, the committee appointed by SANZAAR, the JSA, has a clear plan going on here... I am really under the impression that they want the Sunwolves to be a centralised contracting entity, they pretty much replaced the Western Force in existence. I am more concerned about the national team being watered down by ‘outsiders’ going into the 2019 RWC.

Final between Panasonic and Suntory played on the 14th, they clearly have quality within the Japanese ranks. They question continuity in the backline, but they have Shota Emi which is pretty much a Japanese born Ruan Combrinck…

I can name many Japanese players which are capable to play Super Rugby. On a positive note, their grassroots are now being more inclusive towards rugby which will carry through to the universities, but it is still a 5-10-year plan at the least.
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Well world rugby definitely needs to have some focus on nations like Japan, Georgia and Romania developing into teams that can take on and hold some of the middle-tier countries at RWC at least. I watched most of the Sunwolves games last year but haven't watched their local competitions at all. There's definitely talent there, and there's definitely interest in the game as well, particularly when the team gets results like Japan did at the start of RWC 2016, and a few good performances in Super Rugby.

Even if the 2019 RWC has a few 'imports', so to speak, if the team can compete and impress, it all builds public interest and a potentially better, more experienced [purer(?)] team in 2023.
 
So I see that due to 'logistical reasons', the warm up match between The Bulls & The Stormers in LA has been canned.

Bulls, Stormers USA trip cancelled


The pre-season fixture between the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers - set for Los Angeles, USA - has been called off.

The teams announced they would be rather playing at the Boland Stadium in Wellington on the same date, instead of being part of the double-header in Los Angeles because of "logistical issues".

Insiders say there have been problems with the flight tickets, and fitting the match into the team schedules ahead of this year's Vodacom Super Rugby series.

The Bulls and Stormers were to headline a double-header which also featured the USA and an Argentinean XV as part of their efforts to spread their brand to new communities.
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More here
 
Agent_Smith said:
So I see that due to 'logistical reasons', the warm up match between The Bulls & The Stormers in LA has been canned.



More here
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More a thing like:

The US didn't want to foot the bill for their expensive holiday to the States. South African teams thinking they are important enough to demand the US foot the bill for their "warm-up" game.
 
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