Kok to return to South Africa?
SPOTLIGHT: Former BlitzBok Werner Kok is one of 11 Ulster players to depart the Northern Ireland side at the conclusion of the current United Rugby Championship season, the club confirmed on Friday.
Kok joined Ulster from the Sharks in 2024 and scored 12 tries in all competitions.
Now the question is, where to next for Kok?
*Also read: Saffa one of 11 players to depart Ulster
Does he opt for another overseas team, or is a potential return to South Africa on the cards?
If the latter is the case, which team would most likely call on his services?
The Sharks
A return to the Sharks could be a fit for the Durban-based side, with Bok wing Makazole Mapimpi seemingly entering his twilight years and the shock departure of BlitzBok youngster Luan Giliomee to the Bulls.
On the flip side, head coach JP Pietersen might want to continue working with the new generation of Shark players, including Jaco Williams, Zekhethelo Siyaya, and Vusi Moyo, who have showcased their worth and potential in recent weeks.
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Bulls
The Bulls seem like the unlikely option with Dylan Maart and Thaakir Abrahams joining from Griquas and Munster, respectively, although stranger things have happened.
Should the Bulls sign Kok, he could be used in a dual role at outside centre and fill the void of David Kriel’s departure to La Rochelle, and when Canan Moodie is on Bok duty.
Lions
The Lions’ style of play suits Kok perfectly with their fast-paced, ball-in-hand approach.
What Kok will bring is not just speed but raw power in the outside channels, and he will add some depth to the Lions roster in that department. They are thinly spread on quality wings with only Angelo Davids, Kelly Mpeku and an ageing Rabz Maxwane.
Stormers
A return to Cape Town wouldn’t be far-fetched, considering how the Cape franchise struggled to bulk up their wing roster following Maart’s return to Griquas and the injury to Seabelo Sentatla.
Kok is familiar with the coaching methods of John Dobson, having played for Western Province in the Currie Cup between 2016 and 2018, and winning the title in 2017.
The 33-year-old who punished the Stormers in Round 17 of the United Rugby Championship with a hat-trick in their 38-38 draw may just make Cape Town his home once more.
