Springbok stars are hot property right now and it shows with their recent moves – both in and out – of South Africa.
Scrumhalf Grant Williams and lock enforcers Ruan Nortje and Salmaan Moerat have all recently confirmed that they will be leaving South Africa.
They join a growing list of Springboks already based overseas, including Manie Libbok (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners) and Lukhanyo Am (Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars) have both recently made moves to Japan.
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FULL LISTS OF SPRINGBOKS MOVEMENTS
Heading home:
– Faf de Klerk (Cheetahs)
– Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
Saying goodbye:
– Ruan Nortje (undisclosed)
– Grant Williams (undisclosed)
– Salmaan Moerat (La Rochelle)
– Manie Libbok (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners)
– Lukhanyo Am (Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars)
SPRINGBOKS RETURNING
In-form prop Thomas du Toit was recently named in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year.
The Bath front-rower will now return to South Africa, where he is set to reunite with several Springbok team-mates at the Sharks.
His arrival strengthens an already formidable pack.
A potential front row of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, and Du Toit will be one of the most powerful combinations in world rugby.
Notably, two of those players (Nche and Du Toit) are currently in the World Rugby Dream Team.
Meanwhile, two-time Rugby World Cup winner Faf de Klerk is set for a high-profile return.
The experienced scrumhalf has signed with the Cheetahs, adding leadership and pedigree to the side.
NORTJE AND MOERAT BECOME THE LATEST TO LEAVE
Veteran Bulls lock Ruan Nortje and Stormers stalwart Salmaan Moerat are the latest Springboks to secure overseas deals.
“The Bulls can confirm that lock forward Ruan Nortje has accepted an offer to join an overseas club in Japan at the conclusion of the current season, bringing to a close an extraordinary chapter in his career at Loftus Versfeld,” the Bulls confirmed.
However, his new club has not yet been officially announced.
Meanwhile, Moerat will continue his career in France after signing with La Rochelle.
Grant Williams is another Springbok heading abroad. The dynamic scrumhalf will also play in Japan, although his new club is yet to be confirmed.
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