Very distressing to see the oak going astray like this.
Springbok hooker Adriaan Strauss has broken his silence, saying he is excited at the prospect of moving to the Vodacom Bulls at the end of the season.
The Bulls are set to announce the move later Monday in an official press release, but Strauss revealed exclusively to supersport.com that his decision was taken to further his career.
Strauss signed a two year contract to move to the Bulls, following fellow Toyota Cheetahs players Trevor Nyakane and Lappies Labuschagne who will also line up for the Pretoria franchise in next year’s Vodacom Super Rugby competition. (WHAT A DISGRACE!)
And while he was set to sign for the Cheetahs, the fact that agreement could not be reached over a clause in his contract was eventually the point that swayed him in favour of the Bulls.
Strauss said it wasn’t that he was unhappy at the Cheetahs, but rather that he was looking for his rugby as a player to progress.
“I was very happy in the Free State,” Strauss told supersport.com, “I was happy but with the negotiations we couldn’t come to an agreement and I respect their decision in that. I have had some amazing times in Bloemfontein but I have to look at my career path going forward and I’m excited at the prospect of returning to Pretoria.”
Strauss had asked for a clause stating that an independent consultant do an investigation into Cheetahs rugby so as to help improve it as an entity. According to Die Volksblad, Strauss asked for this to try and positively influence the team from the players’ point of view, but it was refused.
“They communicated well through the whole process, and told me the clause was not acceptable and I accept their reasons for that. The Cheetahs have a good group of players and their Currie Cup preparation is going well at the moment, so on the one hand it is a bit bad to leave when there is so much potential here.”
Strauss played three years of junior rugby in Pretoria, making both his Absa Currie Cup and Super Rugby debuts for the Bulls before heading to Bloemfontein to become the face of the Cheetahs.
“My first three years of rugby was in Pretoria and I enjoyed it a lot, and learnt so much from the coaches and players around there. It was a phase of my life that was good for me and I feel a move back there now will be good for my rugby,” he said.
“It is difficult to leave the Free State, because my heart and soul has been invested here for so long, but a new challenge is never a bad thing and I respect the fact that things change and I’m excited to take this challenge head on.”
Strauss will continue to maintain his presence in his businesses in Bloemfontein – one of them an ITEC franchise and his knowledge of Pretoria will open up new opportunities in these areas in the capital.
“I’m still going to be involved in everything and the way technology is nowadays it is easy to stay involved. I can also service Pretoria clients. It will be an adjustment for me but Pretoria is somewhere I know well and I’m looking forward to the move.”
• The Bulls meanwhile have confirmed Strauss’ signature along with that of Nyakane, Labuschagne and Sevens star Jamba Ulengo.
The Union also extended the contracts of SA under-20 duo Dan and Jesse Kriel until 2016.
“The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd is pleased to announce the signings of Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Pieter Labuschagne and Jamba Ulengo. All three forwards will join the Vodacom Bulls on November 1st, 2014, while Ulengo has already started training with the Vodacom Blue Bulls,” the Bulls statement said.
“Springbok hooker Strauss, who captained the Toyota Cheetahs in recent seasons, was South Africa’s Vodacom Super Rugby Player of the Year in 2013 and returns to Loftus Versfeld, where he made his Vodacom Super Rugby career in 2006 after a seven year absence. He has signed a two year deal.
“Springbok prop Nyakane has signed with the Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls till October 2017, Springbok squad member Labuschagne signed till the end of October 2016 as did Springbok Sevens flyer Ulengo.”
Bulls High Performance manager, Xander Janse van Rensburg was excited at the signings.
"We PARASITES are pretty excited about these signings as all of them are proven performers at the highest level," Janse van Rensburg said.
"These players are all very keen to share in our vision of becoming the No 1 team in both Super Rugby and Currie Cup and to help us achieving those milestones.
“These are important and significant signings, as they show that we are still seen as a pathway to international honours and the winning of tournaments and cups by established, as well as emerging players," Janse van Rensburg said
“The decision of Adriaan to join us will not also add depth to our hooking position, but with his extensive role as captain, will also provide fantastic leadership and solid international experience.”
Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach Frans Ludeke was also very pleased to have them on board.
"We believe all of these guys will contribute significantly to our effort and vision to be a team of excellence. They will also add to potential shortcomings we have identified in our structures and I am looking forward working with players of their calibre."
A MOMENTS SILENCE FOR THE LONG SUFFERING CHEETAHS AND THEIR VERY ABLE COACH N AKA DTROSKY!!
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