In a dazzling display of expatriate prowess, South African rugby talents shone on international pitches from Europe to Japan this weekend. Leading the charge, Dillyn Leyds left a significant mark for La Rochelle in the French Top 14, while other Saffas made headlines in the English Premiership and Japan's Rugby League One.
In France, Leyds, the former Stormers wing, was in scintillating form, scoring a try in La Rochelle's emphatic 45-15 trouncing of Bordeaux Bègles. Across the field, South Africans were in action with James Hall and Tristan Tedder featuring for Perpignan in their spirited yet unsuccessful game against Montpellier, ending 42-31 at GGL Stadium. Tedder managed to find the try line in the defeat. Meanwhile, JT Jackson came off the bench in Montauban's tough 47-22 loss to Toulon, and Arno Botha and Janse Roux added heft to Lyon's pack in their 41-23 downfall to Clermont.
The English Premiership also saw a flurry of South African talent. Benhard Janse van Rensburg helped Bristol Bears dominate Gloucester 53-12. Not far behind, JJ van der Mescht contributed in the closing stages of Northampton Saints' 35-28 victory over Exeter Chiefs, where Joseph Dweba and Ethan Burger also appeared as substitutes. Bath, under Johann van Graan, dismantled Harlequins 48-15, showcasing strong performances from their South African contingent, including a try from scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde.
"It's about bringing that intensity and focus to every game, no matter the opposition,"
noted van der Linde on his performance.
Over in Japan, the South Africans faced mixed fortunes. The Honda Heat, with Franco Mostert, Matthys Basson, and Dawid Kellerman, suffered a hefty 49-5 defeat to the Black Rams Tokyo. Conversely, the Canon Eagles, bolstered by Jesse Kriel and Faf de Klerk, secured a 33-15 victory over Jasper Wiese's Urayasu D-Rocks. The Suntory Sungoliath, despite Cheslin Kolbe's seven points, fell short against the Kubota Spears, losing 27-22.
Amid these varied performances, the spirit and skill of South African rugby players continue to leave an indelible mark on the global stage, demonstrating their prowess and resilience in foreign leagues. Their performances not only highlight the depth of talent from the rainbow nation but also underscore their significant impact in the world of rugby.
Teams mentioned: La Rochelle, Bordeaux Bègles, Perpignan, Montpellier, Montauban, Toulon, Lyon, Clermont, Bristol Bears, Gloucester, Northampton Saints, Exeter Chiefs, Bath, Harlequins, Honda Heat, Black Rams Tokyo, Canon Eagles, Urayasu D-Rocks, Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, Kubota Spears.
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In a dazzling display of expatriate prowess, South African rugby talents shone on international pitches from Europe to Japan this weekend. Leading the charge, Dillyn Leyds left a significant mark for La Rochelle in the French Top 14, while other Saffas made headlines in the English Premiership and Japan's Rugby League One.
In France, Leyds, the former Stormers wing, was in scintillating form, scoring a try in La Rochelle's emphatic 45-15 trouncing of Bordeaux Bègles. Across the field, South Africans were in action with James Hall and Tristan Tedder featuring for Perpignan in their spirited yet unsuccessful game against Montpellier, ending 42-31 at GGL Stadium. Tedder managed to find the try line in the defeat. Meanwhile, JT Jackson came off the bench in Montauban's tough 47-22 loss to Toulon, and Arno Botha and Janse Roux added heft to Lyon's pack in their 41-23 downfall to Clermont.
The English Premiership also saw a flurry of South African talent. Benhard Janse van Rensburg helped Bristol Bears dominate Gloucester 53-12. Not far behind, JJ van der Mescht contributed in the closing stages of Northampton Saints' 35-28 victory over Exeter Chiefs, where Joseph Dweba and Ethan Burger also appeared as substitutes. Bath, under Johann van Graan, dismantled Harlequins 48-15, showcasing strong performances from their South African contingent, including a try from scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde.
"It's about bringing that intensity and focus to every game, no matter the opposition,"
noted van der Linde on his performance.Over in Japan, the South Africans faced mixed fortunes. The Honda Heat, with Franco Mostert, Matthys Basson, and Dawid Kellerman, suffered a hefty 49-5 defeat to the Black Rams Tokyo. Conversely, the Canon Eagles, bolstered by Jesse Kriel and Faf de Klerk, secured a 33-15 victory over Jasper Wiese's Urayasu D-Rocks. The Suntory Sungoliath, despite Cheslin Kolbe's seven points, fell short against the Kubota Spears, losing 27-22.
Amid these varied performances, the spirit and skill of South African rugby players continue to leave an indelible mark on the global stage, demonstrating their prowess and resilience in foreign leagues. Their performances not only highlight the depth of talent from the rainbow nation but also underscore their significant impact in the world of rugby.
Teams mentioned: La Rochelle, Bordeaux Bègles, Perpignan, Montpellier, Montauban, Toulon, Lyon, Clermont, Bristol Bears, Gloucester, Northampton Saints, Exeter Chiefs, Bath, Harlequins, Honda Heat, Black Rams Tokyo, Canon Eagles, Urayasu D-Rocks, Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, Kubota Spears.