Ex Supersport
Two more top Springboks are destined for the land of the rising sun as both Francois Hougaard and Willie Le Roux have concluded deals with the Canon Eagles side in Japan.
The club announced on Wednesday the pair had been signed for the coming season at the Japanese club, but both are set to return to play in Vodacom Super Rugby next season.
While Hougaard is still negotiating a return to Loftus – he has three offers from Europe, including English clubs Leceister Tigers and Exeter Chiefs – he will be a massive signing for the Japanese club with his versatility to play either at scrumhalf or wing.
With Le Roux the duo will be able to continue their Springbok partnership although the two foreigner rule in Japanese rugby may see both playing a lot less than they would in South Africa.
Le Roux announced on Tuesday he would be joining the Cell C Sharks for Super Rugby, and will spend the rest of the season in Japan.
The Eagles have just said goodbye to their two foreign players – flanker Adam Thomson and Callum Bruce – and have signed the duo to replace them.
Hougaard told the club in typically public-relations friendly quotes he was happy to be joining their ranks.
“I'm really glad I can become a member of the Canon Eagles after the World Cup. I've watched the game highlights of the Top League over the past two years and I saw they were technically very high, and I could feel a strong passion. I'm looking forward to being able to compete in this high level environment. I'll give out my best for Eagles to win the Top League,” Hougaard said in the press statement.
The likelihood is that Hougaard will make a decision in the next fortnight, and depending on his situation – in terms of the Springboks as well – he may opt for overseas and not Super Rugby.
Meanwhile Le Roux has decided to “try something new” according to his agent Eduard Kelder, and is excited at the prospect of playing in Japan.
“After the intensity of the past couple of seasons Willie really felt the time was right to get away and experience something new and refreshing,” Kelder told supersport.com.
“The nature of the 2015/16 Japanese season provides South African players with the unique opportunity of joining a Japanese team after the World Cup and returning before the commencement of the Super Rugby tournament.
“SARU have been extremely supportive of the player’s wishes and Willie’s long term commitment towards SA Rugby has already been confirmed. His focus can now rest solely on his remaining games for the Cheetahs and Springbok World Cup campaign after which he faces new and exciting challenges for the Canon Eagles and Sharks respectively.”
Vodacom Bulls High Performance Manager Xander Janse Van Rensburg declined to comment on Hougaard’s situation.
