Ebersohn has Wallaby aspirations
Cheetahs flyhalf Sias Ebersohn has signed a two-year contract with the Western Force as their foreign developing player, which indicates that he wants to play for Australia.
The Cheetahs playmaker had an impressive campaign last year but has fallen out of favour in Bloemfontein this season with the emergence of teenage star Johan Goosen.
Ebersohn got an opportunity to prove his worth when Goosen was sidelined by a shoulder injury, but a shaky performances against the Highlanders and the Stormers saw him relegated to the bench once more.
The Force, who are still without a head coach following the early departure of Richard Graham, have had issues at flyhalf all season as Willie Ripia left the Perth franchise before the start of the season after stealing from his teammates and they have battled to find an adequate replacement, so they will be hopeful that Ebersohn will bring some solidity to the position next season.
Rugby Western Australia CEO Vern Reid said the franchise has been watching Ebersohn develop as a player over the past two seasons and had made contact with the young flyhalf during the side's recent visit to Bloemfontein.
He said: "Following our meeting, Sias has agreed to accept our offer to be the foreign developing player for the Western Force in the 2013 season.
"The agreement is now before the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) as they need to approve any foreign developing player contracts under the contracting guidelines," explained Reid.
Foreign developing players are signed on a two year contract with a Super Rugby franchise and must exhibit potential to play for the Wallabies to be approved by the ARU.
"In our view, Sias has great potential to make a significant impact for the Western Force in the Super Rugby competition and at an international level and for the past couple of seasons has been touted as a future Springbok," said Reid.
Western Force captain David Pocock met with the promising playmaker following the game against the Cheetahs in Round 11.
"I met with Sias when we were in Bloemfontein and he was excited about the prospect of moving to Perth," said Pocock.
"We've been watching him for a while and he is a very skilful player and will bring some much needed energy and experience to that position.
"I'm sure he will fit in well with the playing group at the Western Force and will enjoy his time in Perth," added the Force skipper.
"After long negotiations with Sias Ebersohn's agent Gerrie Swart, the Free State Cheetahs and I have decided to release Sias of his 2013 contract with the Cheetahs," said Cheetahs head coach Naka Drotske.
"Sias wanted more exposure and felt that the Western Force offered him a step in the right direction for him as a player to accomplish his goals. We felt that we would not stand in his way and will release him from his 2013 contract.
"Sias will leave the Free State Cheetahs after the Currie Cup to join the Western Force. We wish him the best of luck for his future and want to thank him for what he has meant for Cheetah rugby," he added.
