The Western Province Rugby Union and Stormers Super Rugby franchise have announced
that Springbok stars Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Damian de
Allende to the Unions.
Prop Malherbe, lock Etzebeth, flanker Kolisi and centre De Allende are in contention
to represent South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, having all
been part of the Springbok squad this season after Super Rugby campaigns for
the Stormers.
Between them, the quartet have featured in 61 Tests, Etzebeth leading the way
with 37 Test appearances since his debut against England in 2012, with Malherbe
(six Tests) and Kolisi (11 Tests) making their debuts in 2013 and De Allende
(seven caps) playing his first international in 2014.
“Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Damian de Allende have
all been developed here at Western Province, coming through our youth structures
and going on to play Test rugby for South Africa as standout Stormers and
Western Province players, ” said WP Director of Rugby Gert Smal.
“We are very excited about our new signings Pieter-Steph du Toit, JC Janse
van Rensburg, JP Smith and Cornal Hendricks, but, at the same time, we need
ensure we continue to develop and retain our own top talent too – the re-signings
of Frans, Eben, Siya and Damian are a clear indication that we are doing so.
“Western Province is a successful rugby union; two Currie Cup triumphs
in the past three years, three South African Super Rugby Conference
titles out of a possible five, a Cup triumph and numerous national Under-19
and Under-21 titles since 2012 speaks for itself.
“However, we need to ensure we build on these achievements and the likes
of Frans, Eben, Siya and Damian are central to creating a WP Rugby dynasty of
having the best players wanting to play here (and wanting) to win big trophies
on a regular basis. “
With the confirmation of Pieter-Steph du Toit’s signing on Monday, and having
already captured wing Cornal Hendricks and prop JC Janse van Rensburg, Smal
promised even more good news for WP and Stormers fans in the coming
weeks, who have already seen the introduction of other new signings, prop JP
Smith and scrumhalf Jano Vermaak, in Province’s 2015 Currie Cup squad.
“We will announce some more re-signings in due course, whilst we will
also be concluding our search for a new Super Rugby coach very shortly, ”
added the WP Director of Rugby.
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