Force dump 'inexperienced' Sias
The need to inject more "experience" into their backline has resulted in the Western Force releasing flyhalf Sias Ebersohn from his contract.
The 26-year-old No.10 will return to his native South Africa.
While the Force were at pains to explain that they wanted to inject "additional experience" into their young backline, Ebersohn is hardly a rookie – putting a question mark over the reasoning.
Ebersohn has played 80-odd games for the Cheetahs between 2008 ad 2012, before he moved to Perth – where he made 40-off appearances for the Force.
The left-footed flyhalf scored 212 points in his three seasons for the Western Australian franchise.
However, he never really established himself as a long-term first-choice – despite the Force's suggestion that he was a valuable asset.
"Ebersohn has made a strong contribution to the franchise over the past three seasons, including playing a key role during the franchise's most successful season in 2014," the Force said in a statement.
"However, leading into the 2016 season, the franchise identified the need to inject additional experience into its young backline, which coincided with an opportunity for Ebersohn to return to South Africa.
"Having already signed Jono Lance for next season, the franchise is currently in the process of recruiting players that will provide the team with that experience.
"On behalf of the franchise, we'd like to thank Sias for his contribution to the Force, and wish he and wife Elette all the best for the future."
Ebersohn will return to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, with Elgar Watts heading to Port Elizabeth to join the Southern Kings.
