So we saw recently that Coetzee has singed a hybrid contract between the bulls and Japan top league.
Lukamyo Am also jetted off to Japan last year for 4 months before joining the sharks.
Some of the players like Am, Marx, Kwagga all performed really well for the boks this year. Where as some were completely out of form. That said, those who played consistently performed well but it took a while for them to get into the rhythm. But then again, these players are elite athletes.
Japan Top league only starts from December and Runs until April
Where as the URC, start in September and ends in May or June.
We saw that the likes of Eben can do for a team or when a bok player starts in the URC. Kolisi as well as Bongi looked great when they came on for the sharks and blew Glasgow off the park.
So I wonder. Rather than having our players head to France or England or even any of the other URC teams.
If you are a fringe bok or settled and part of the top 45 players. Would it not be better that some go to Japan?
Sept + October - URC
November - Test
Dec - 2 Week Break + Top League starts
Feb + March - 6 Nations - URC - Break in due to test.
April - Top League Finish
May - European and URC Finals games
June - Autumn Test
July - Aug - Sept - Championship
Sept - URC starts.
Now, I'm not saying that all boks should adopt this model, but I just looking at those that have permanent contracts in Japan, those in the URC and those with hybrid approach.
The hybrid contract players would probably need a break as they would play flat out. But I'm also looking at players that were coming back from injury and need game time. We saw the form of PSDT and Jantjies not being up to standards due to lack of game time. But then players need rest to.
But when it comes to Alignment camps, keeping tabs on the best players, building squad depth then something like this could work.
Of course I would want players to play in the URC and also get the Cheetahs in the URC so that we have 5 teams to pick from. Then, we have the players that know they can make more money.
So just my thoughts on this topic.
