Mostert still on ice
REACTION: Springbok lock Franco Mostert will formally sign in at Gloucester on Thursday, but he won’t feature in any of their teams at the weekend.
Mostert, at the centre of a legal dispute between the Golden Lions and Gloucester, has not played since the end of the Rugby Championship at the beginning of last month.
Earlier this week Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said he will not select Mostert to face England at Twickenham on Saturday, because of the “sensitive nature” of the dispute between the Lions and Gloucester.
Now Gloucester Head of Academy Richard Whiffin said Mostert won’t be considered for selection for the Premiership Cup (knock-out) match against the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on Friday.
“He’s not been in the building yet,” Whiffin told the Gloucester Live website, when asked about Mostert – who watched them beat Wasps at Kingsholm last Saturday.
“I don’t think anyone has shaken his hand, so he won’t be playing for us,” Whiffin added.
* Meanwhile fellow Bok Jaco Kriel has been declared available for the first time since joining Gloucester.
Flanker Kriel arrived in the off-season, but has been recovering from a shoulder operation, which has prevented him from playing until now.
Kriel’s return after over a year out is being managed carefully, but Whiffin confirmed he has now been passed fit.
“He’s one of the guys that is available for selection,” said Whiffin.
“He’s someone we’ve got to be really careful with the length of injury he’s coming back from so his involvement going forward over the next few weeks will have to be heavily managed and controlled from decisions above me.”
Source: Gloucester Live
