South Africans dominate URC's Super signings
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The recruitment of two double World Cup-winning Springboks has been labelled as super signings by the United Rugby Championship.
After seven rounds of the 2023-24 URC season, it comes as no surprise that Wille Le Roux and Steven Kitshoff have been very impactful for their respective teams.
Le Roux’s move to the Bulls and Kitshoff’s transfer to Ulster have made the cut for the best signings.
Le Roux joined the Bulls at the start of the season, while Kitshoff moved to Ireland from the Stormers.
The 34-year-old fullback has looked absolute class for the Bulls, who are currently third on the URC table with 25 points.
His expertise and experience helped lead the back three which boasts Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie.
Kitshoff’s arrival has been monitored with keen interest. He is the best URC player according to the tournament’s Top 100,
His Ulster URC debut might have ended in defeat. However, the prop’s performance in the Champions Cup, helping his side to a win over Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s Racing 92, has provided many with a glimpse into what he adds to the Irish team.
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From Currie Cup to URC
Fellow South African, the uncapped Tinus de Beer has also made the list of super signings after moving to a Welsh region Cardiff from the Pumas.
With Jarrod Evans having moved to Harlequins and Rhys Priestland retired, there was a big hole to fill at No.10.
And De Beer, who steered the Pumas to their first Currie Cup trophy in 2022, has stepped up to the plate and is certainly earning his corn.
He has only been on the pitch for all but 26 minutes of the league season so far. However, he has posted a further 14 points in Cardiff’s two Champions Cup ties.
Meanwhile, Ben Healy was going to be a quality recruit for Edinburgh, so it’s proven.
Having shared in Munster’s grand final triumph over the Stormers at the end of last season, the international flyhalf headed for the Scottish capital after the World Cup.
His impact has been significant. He’s brought tactical control and been prolific in front of goal, scoring more points (76) than anyone else in the URC.
He has fitted in like a glove and played a major part in Edinburgh winning five of their first seven league matches, while he was at it again on the weekend, with four more successful shots at goal in the 34-21 victory over Castres in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
Two more flyhalf signings that have proved good bits of business are the Scarlets bringing the gifted Ioan Lloyd home from Bristol, while the much-travelled JJ Hanrahan has settled in well at Connacht.
Elsewhere, Munster look to have added real quality by snapping up Kiwi centre Alex Nankivell from the Chiefs, while Malakai Fekitoa has gone well in the Benetton midfield since leaving Thomond Park.
Source: URC
