The SA Rugby magazine team rounds up some of the interesting snippets of news making headlines around the world.
Elstadt a Bok bolter?
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is reportedly impressed with ex-Stormers lock Rynhardt Elstadt, who plays for Toulouse in France.
The 29-year-old Elstadt, who can also play across the back row, is in top form for log-leaders Toulouse in the Top 14, so much so that Erasmus is considering him for the Springboks.
According to Rapport, Erasmus has already initiated talks with the club and informed officials of his intention to call-up Elstadt for the upcoming Test season that starts in June.
White to join Cheetahs?
Former Springbok boss Jake White has reportedly asked around about the Cheetahs’ vacant coaching and director of rugby jobs. White is currently coaching Toyota Verblitz, but his contract with the Japanese club comes to an end later this year.
According to Rapport, White had not officially applied for any of the two vacancies, but that his inquiry about the panel’s identification process could be seen as a subtle hint of his interest in returning to South Africa to join the Cheetahs.
WP Rugby lock in players beyond 2020
The Stormers have allegedly manage secure the services of several of its players for the 2020 season and beyond.
It is believed lock JD Schickerling is the latest in a group of Stormers stars to commit their futures to the Cape side. The others include the likes of Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Wilco Louw, Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit, who have agreed to stay at the union.
But according to Rapport, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of utility back Damian Willemse, who is yet to agree to a long term contract.
Bulls to lose another star
The Bulls have lost another key player after the news that Hanro Liebenberg has signed for English club the Leicester Tigers.
The former Junior Springbok captain is a regular starter for the Bulls and have led the Pretoria-based side several times in the absence of Handré Pollard and Burger Odendaal.
Liebenberg joins a long list of players that’ll exit Loftus after the Vodacom Super Rugby season, including Pollard, Jesse Kriel, Jason Jenkins, RG Snyman and Lood de Jager.
Photo: Archive