Jantjies opens up on his big decision
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has opened up on his decision to stay in with Stormers and not chase the money overseas.
Last week the 25-year-old, who has a World Cup winners medal, signed a two-year contract extension with the franchise which will keep him at home until at least 2024.
Jantjies believes staying in Cape Town was the best option at this stage in his playing career.
“I think the biggest thing for me was where I’m at in my career at this stage,” said Jantjies.
“I think going for money or going somewhere else where it might seem like the grass is greener could be better, but I think it’s a nice challenge staying here.
“There are a lot of guys going overseas and a lot of guys doing well, but I firmly believe I can stay here and also achieve success with the Stormers.
“It’s been a long journey for us to get where we are with the style of play we are playing. This is something we have been building on – it’s something I don’t want to leave now at this very moment.
“I am still young. I am turning 26 in April and hopefully, in the far future there will be opportunities for me to go overseas, but for now, I am more than happy to stay.
“It’s home and it is where my family is. Most of the guys here are very good friends away from rugby and it is Cape Town. There are a lot of guys that will give everything to be in Cape Town and play for the Stormers.”
Jantjies believes the timing around an overseas move depends on the player.
“It’s all up to the player and where they are in their career,” he added. “I think there is still a lot I can learn here and still enjoy my rugby.
“We’ve seen a lot of guys like Trokkie [Juarno Augustus] overseas and doing really well.
“I think it’s a mind thing if I can put it like that. A lot of guys say the earlier you go the better.
“But at the end of the day the rugby is the main thing and it doesn’t matter where you go. You have to perform wherever you play and I just felt at this stage of career the best option was to stay with the Stormers.”
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Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman had plenty of praise for Jantjies.
“For a guy like Herschel to commit to being here is massive for us,” said Snyman. “He actually wants to stay and leave a legacy behind.
“I think that is one of the decisions Herschel made. Once he steps out of Cape Town and goes somewhere else, people will remember Herschel but also the team he played for and what that team has achieved.
“We want to have guys in the union that want to stay and that actually want to be successful and make sure we become successful.
“Guys of his calibre staying means we will get a lot of input from him. If he goes to the Springboks and comes back, they [Bok players] always come back with great input.
“They are leaders in the teams, so if he had to go overseas now he probably would have had to build an innings and get his foot in the door, whereas now he is a leader.
“It’s great to see guys that want to take this union forward.”
The Stormers will face Zebre Parma in Stellenbosch on Sunday.
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