New homes for Province trio?
NEWS: A few of Western Province’s players will be heading abroad while their fellow teammates are preparing for the World Cup said head coach John Dobson.
With South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus set to announce his World Cup squad on Monday, it appears highly unlikely that Damian Willemse will make the trip to Japan.
The 21-year-old, who returned from injury last weekend against the Griquas, has a final chance to state his case for the Bok jersey when he starts at flyhalf against the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday.
Erasmus already revealed that it will be a massive challenge for Willemse, along with other injured Springboks Warren Whiteley and Aphiwe Dyantyi, to make the 31-man squad.
Willemse has not played a minute of Test rugby this year.
Whether he is on the plane will be confirmed on August 26, while the alternative plan for Willemse is to join Saracens on the short-term loan.
Dobson revealed that Province are currently in talks with the Premiership club.
“He’s a special kid off the field,” Dobson said.
“He is playing to play in the World Cup – and that’s the right attitude. He knows it’s unlikely but that’s his main priority.
“There is the possibility he might go on loan to Saracens during the World Cup, which I think is a brilliant opportunity because they have the best the kicking game in Europe. He will have a chance to work with Saracens [kicking coach] Dan Vickers and [director of rugby] Mark McCall.
“But his first goal is to win on Saturday, play as well as he can and if he is not announced in the squad on Monday, then he will think about Saracens, ”
*Also read: WP’s team to face Cheetahs
Meanwhile, Carlu Sadie will join Top14 side Stade Francais on a short-term loan.
It seems like Sadie’s new deal with the French side coached by Heyneker Meyer could spell the end for his career at Province.
Sadie was previously loaned to the Lions and returned at the start of the Currie Cup season. However, with Wilco Louw back from Springboks duty and Neethling Fouche in the set-up, the 22-year-old has become a surplus at the Union.
It has also been reported that if Sadie returns from France, he could be signed by a South African franchise.
“Carlu is going on loan to Stade Francais during the World Cup,” Dobson said, adding: “I’m not sure where he will go next year.
“I’ve always said it’s going to be difficult to compete with France. I think we have three big [tighthead props] at the Union and Carlu is still a developing situation.
“However Wilco and Neethling will definitely be here next year,”
Dobson also mentioned that Josh Stander will join Japan side Suntory Sungoliath.
@rugby365com
