Latest news with #Springbok
IOL News
44 minutes ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Lions bolstered by Chris Smith URC signing as Stormers retain Ben-Jason Dixon, Wandisile Simelane
Former Bulls flyhalf Chris Smith has signed for the Lions. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix With the next instalment of the United Rugby Championship starting in a couple of months, the Lions have added some exciting players to their arsenal in a bid to strengthen their squad to challenge for a first playoff berth. The latest addition is former Bulls general Chris Smith, who returns from a two-season stint overseas at French club Oyonnax, crossing the Jukskei from the Pretoria side where he last played before leaving the country. Smith, a consistent kicker, had some strong performances in the blue jersey. So, the Johannesburg side will hope he can take his game to another level as they look for a flyhalf who can spearhead the team to the quarter-finals in the coming season. They have struggled for consistency in the No 10 jersey for the last couple of campaigns, with Kade Wolhuter, Gianni Lombard and Nico Steyn sharing the jersey. But none have put their hand up to claim the position, and the arrival of Smith will add to that competition. He is not the only player joining the men from Ellis Park; they also signed two wingers in Angelo Davids of the Stormers and Eduan Keyter from the Sharks. They must fill the void of Springbok Edwill van der Merwe, who has joined the Sharks. Van der Merwe, who became a Bok at the Lions, has been outstanding, and the duo will have big boots to fill. Davids, a former Blitzbok, will seek more game-time after falling out of favour in Cape Town, while Keyter will look to revive his career after a spell of unfortunate injuries while based at Kings Park. Davids played behind the likes of Seabelo Senatla, Leolin Zas, Suleiman Hartzenberg and Ben Loader, and needed this move away from the Mother City. Both wingers are deadly attackers and have a knack for finding the try-line. So, they should not take too long to adapt to the enterprising rugby that the Lions play. The Lions also announced the signing of Griquas lock Dylan Sjoblom. He will add some needed depth to the side ahead of another URC campaign, where they will look to reach the playoffs for the first time. They boast some of the most exciting players in the country, but have unfortunately not lived up to expectations over the last couple of seasons. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen will hope the strategic acquisitions can boost the side on and off the field as they use the Currie Cup to prepare for their fifth season in the European competition. Van Rooyen is under pressure, and it will likely be a non-negotiable for the side to reach the playoffs if he wants to take them forward. The Stormers, meanwhile, won their arbitration case with loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon, which will see the Springbok committed to the Cape side until 2027 at least. They also confirmed the extension of midfielder Wandisile Simelane's stay in the Cape. Dixon sought arbitration to resolve a particular clause in his contract, which runs until July 2027. 'Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around, and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,' Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said in a statement on Friday. Dixon, currently out injured, said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. 'With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love – giving my best for the Stormers.'
The South African
an hour ago
- Sport
- The South African
Contract dispute settled with Stormers, Springbok star
Stormers and Springbok star BJ Dixon is currently recovering from a wrist injury, but he has recently been embroiled in a contractual dispute with the Stormers related to an exit clause. An arbitration process was subsequently conducted due to a disagreement over differing interpretations of certain wording related to a release clause in his contract, but the outcome of this has now been confirmed. The independent process found Dixon's contract is binding, with no revisions applicable, and he will remain a Stormers player until at least 2027. Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that with the arbitration behind them, he looks forward to seeing Dixon give his all for the team. 'Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,' he said. Dixon said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love — giving my best for the Stormers.' Although that is all fine and well, it does remain to be seen how things play out with the loose forward after such a disagreement. Dixon is expected to recover from injury in time to be considered for selection by the time the Rugby Championship arrives. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Stormers, Springboks flank Ben-Jason Dixon bury the hatchet after contract arbitration
Springbok flank will stay at the Stormers following a dispute over a clause in his contract. Dixon has been out of action for a few months because of a wrist injury and was not considered for the Springboks' match against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia. However, the Stormers announced on Friday that Dixon will remain with the Cape side for at least the next two years following the outcome of an independent arbitration. The independent process found Dixon's contract is binding, with no revisions applicable. T he Stormers were involved in a bit of a standoff with Dixon , who was reportedly looking to get out of his current contract. The two parties were in disagreement over the interpretation of the wording of a release clause in his current deal, which runs until 2027. While the weather in Cape Town has been rather unpleasant, it seems like the animosity between the Stormers and Springboks loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon is a thing of the past. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said that with the arbitration behind them, he looks forward to seeing Dixon give his all for the team, as he has done throughout his career. 'Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,' he said. Dixon said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love — giving my best for the Stormers.' Meanwhile, centre Wandisile Simelane has signed a contract extension with the Stormers after first arriving in the Cape on-loan from the Bulls. The fleet-footed centre has been a regular in the Stormers' backline in the United Rugby Championship this season, and Dobson expects to see Simelane continue to grow as a midfield force. 'Wandi has got incredible natural talent which has marked him as a dangerous player from a young age. What we have been particularly impressed with is his willingness to learn and develop his game. 'He has an incredibly high ceiling and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do and add to our team going forward,' he said. Simelane said that the decision to extend his contract was an easy one given the unique environment in Cape Town. 'At the Stormers, players are encouraged to express themselves and make the most of their abilities. 'I feel that I have grown as a player since moving here and I'm looking forward to seeing where this team can go,' he said. @JohnGoliath82
The South African
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Independent arbitration rules Springbok Dixon to remain at Stormers
Loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon will remain a Stormers player until at least 2027 following the outcome of an independent arbitration this week. Dixon sought arbitration to resolve a particular clause in his contract, which runs until July 2027. The independent process found Dixon's contract is binding, with no revisions applicable. Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that with the arbitration behind them, he looks forward to seeing Dixon give his all for the team, as he has done throughout his career. 'Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,' he said. Dixon said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love – giving my best for the Stormers.' Dixon, who attended Paul Roos, has five Springbok caps to his name, the most recent of which came against Argentina in September 2024. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Aphelele Fassi feeds off Bok energy
The support of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and the freedom granted by attack guru Tony Brown have brought out the best in fullback Aphelele Fassi. Fassi made his Test debut on the wing against Georgia in 2021 but was sent back to the Sharks to work on his game and didn't make the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad. However, a more refined player and matured person returned to the national set-up last year, making eight Test starts in the No 15 jersey. Erasmus notably backed Fassi to start against the All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park ahead of veteran fullback Willie le Roux, saying it was 'his time to shine' on the Test stage. Which he did. 'It was important,' said Fassi on Wednesday of Erasmus' support. 'I guess it did build a lot of character in me; it did show that I could do things that I didn't think I was able to do.' KEO & ZELS: Give Rassie the Boks to 2035 Fassi now understands the culture of the current Bok squad, where it's about more than just who makes the match-day 23. 'The role I want to play in the Springboks is to help in a positive way whether I'm playing or not, be here and enjoy training with players like Gazza [Damian Willemse], Willie le Roux and Handre Pollard. I want to help the team do well. I feed off energy [in the team], and I see how guys try to do things and I try to repeat the same thing.' MORE: I'm not changing Bok philosophy – Brown That team-first energy has been amplified by the influence of Brown. 'Tony and the coaches want us to express ourselves and be able to play with freedom and following how we want to execute and how we want to play as a team,' said the 27-year-old. 'For the last couple of weeks, Damian and I have been helping each other with areas of our game. The experience that Willie brings for Damian and me is vital for us. The aim for us is not to bash each other up but to compete and help each other going forward.' ALSO: I'll finish up at the Stormers – Doogz With the Boks scheduled to play 15 Tests this year, as well as next Saturday's non-cap match against the Barbarians, Fassi is set to gain more vital experience ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. But he knows he will have to keep evolving. 'Each and every year that you play, you have a target on your back, and I think that's why we want to develop our game and be able to not be predictable. It's up to me to tick those boxes and play a different style and come up with a different approach to how I go into games and how I play.' The post Fassi feeds off Bok energy appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
