Stormers' Bok linked to Europe move
TRANSFER TALK: Springbok and Stormers prop Stevan Kitshoff is reportedly in high demand in Europe.
It has been reported, that Ulster have been keeping an eye on the Springboks star.
However, the northern province has missed out on Stormers prop’s signature.
According to Rugbypass, Kitshoff does not have an exit clause in his current contract, meaning any move would have to be facilitated with a hefty ‘transfer fee’ that apparently ruled out Ulster’s interest in the 29-year-old.
The report added that in all likelihood, this means that he’s most likely heading to France, where he previously spent three seasons with Bordeaux Begles.
Ulster have already signed fellow Springbok Duane Vermeulen from the Bulls.
Vermeulen’s deal runs until 2023.
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Meanwhile, Leinster are also in the market for a ‘big name’ southern hemisphere second row as they look to reinforce their options in the engine room.
RC heavyweights will be without the services of both James Ryan and Ryan Baird during internationals window into the foreseeable, combined with the inevitable retirement of stalwart Devin Toner.
Leinster regular Ross Moloney has proved to be an able lieutenant for the Dublin-based side, having amassed well over one hundred caps for the province since he debuted in 2015. Beneath him there’s a significant experience gap with 23-year-old prospect Jack Dunne. The 6’8, 120kg lock has made 15 appearances to date and is still very much in his professional rugby infancy.
Head coach Leo Cullen never replaced Wallaby utility forward Scott Fardy with a like-for-like. The Australian retired at the end of 2020/21 after four successful seasons.
Leinster have a track record of big-name forwards penning contracts to come to Dublin and experience brand Leinster. Some have been hugely successful – others not so much.
Brad Thorn, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Hines and Ollie Le Roux [as well as the aforementioned Fardy], all enjoyed celebrated stints in the RDS, becoming firm fan favourites in the process.
They’ve been misses too of course – with Steven Sykes, Owen Finnegan and Kane Douglas all notable flops.
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