Bok puts homecoming on ice

TRANSFER TALK: Forgotten Springbok centre Jan Serfontain has opted to extend his contract with Montpellier amid rumours of an exit.

Serfontein’s contract with Montpellier is reaching its final season,  but according to the French newspaper Midi Olympique, the centre has signed a new contract which will see him stay at the Top 14 club for another year with a potential second year.

The South African – known for his no-nonsense presence on the midfield – was speculated to leave Montpellier last season.

He was also linked with a return to the Bulls.

However, the arrival of a new Montpellier Hérault coaching ticket, led by Bernard Laporte, seems to have changed all that.

The controversial former France head coach is thought to have played a pivotal role in retaining Serfontein, who is seen as key figure in Montpellier’s locker room. Indeed, the South African has called Montpellier home since joining in 2017.

Although their domestic campaign has been dire, Serfontein’s contribution has been substantial. Featuring as a starter in nine Top 14 matches, the former Bull has been instrumental in Montpellier’s European campaign to date, which saw them advance to the Challenge Cup’s final stages despite their poor Top 14 form.

Currently, at the bottom of the standings, Montpellier are a point away from Oyonnax and Perpignan in the log.

Serfontein was previously part of the victorious South Africa under-20 team at the 2012 Junior World Championship and earned the 2012 IRB Junior Player of the Year accolade. His rapid rise in 2013 led to his inclusion in the senior national team, sidelining his participation in the Junior World Championship that year.

He won 35 caps for the Springboks, his last coming in 2017.

Source: Rugbypass