Latest news with #UnitedRugbyChampionship
TimesLIVE
4 hours ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
BaaBaas, with ‘great players in world rugby', a good test for Boks: Rassie
The Barbarians have some hugely experienced, quality campaigners and will provide a fitting opening test for the Springboks' 2025 season, coach Rassie Erasmus said. The Boks face the BaaBaas on June 28 before lining up against Italy in back-to-back Tests in Pretoria (July 5) and Gqeberha (July 12), after which they wrap up the Incoming Series against Georgia in Mbombela (July 19). The Boks are close to being a full contingent of players after the arrival of the Bulls players, Leinster lock RG Snyman and Leicester Tigers flyhalf Handré Pollard, following their involvement in the United Rugby Championship and Gallagher Premiership finals last weekend.
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Simelane and Dixon to continue careers with the Stormers
Simelane has extended his contract, while Dixon's contractual dispute has also been resolved. Exciting centre prospect Wandisile Simelane has signed a contract extension with the Stormers, while Springbok loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon's contractual dispute with the Western Province Rugby Union has been resolved. Simelane, who joined the Cape-based team from the Lions in the early part of last year, will continue to play for the Stormers for the foreseeable future after impressing in the midfield during this last season's United Rugby Championship campaign. 'Looking forward to seeing where this team can go' Director of Rugby at the Stormers, John Dobson, said he was looking forward to seeing Simelane continue to grow and develop in the Cape. '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,' Dobson said. 'He has an incredibly high ceiling and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do and add to our team going forward.' 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. Ben-Jason Dixon, centre, will continue to play for the Stormers. Picture: Gallo Images Dixon matter resolved Dixon meanwhile will continue to play for the Stormers until the end of the 2027 season following the end of an arbitration process this week. Dixon sought arbitration to resolve a particular clause in his contract, which runs until June 2027. The independent process found Dixon's contract is binding, with no revisions applicable. Dixon said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. The loose forward made his Springbok debut last season, but has suffered a few setbacks this year due to injuries. '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 Star
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Handré Pollard's return: Can the Bulls finally claim URC glory?
Leighton Koopman | Published 8 hours ago Comment by Leighton Koopman The Bulls' 32-7 defeat in the final of the United Rugby Championship against Leinster was a bitter pill to swallow for supporters, but making it to a third final in four seasons shows that they are not that far off from a title-winning campaign. With a core of experienced Springboks in their midst, the return of Handré Pollard in the flyhalf position, Jan Serfontein coming back as a vastly experienced centre and some exciting young players, the Pretoria outfit will be able to call on more experienced stars than ever before next year. While there is no shame in losing to a better team, and Leinster were streets ahead of the Loftus side, there will be questions around the Bulls if they can't claim silverware next season, especially with director of rugby Jake White looking to make some key adjustments in the off-season. Firstly, squad depth remains a concern for White, and he stated it again in his post-match press conference following the final last Saturday at Croke Park in Dublin. But he was the most successful South African coach when it came to rotating his team. He ensured he had players fit to take up positions when needed. But injuries to key players had a big influence towards the end of their tournament. Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw were out for the final and the latter stages of the competition respectively, and the dynamic duo were vital cogs in a physical, yet mobile loose trio of the Bulls. Hanekom's loss in the final was massive, as was the absence of Kurt-Lee Arendse as well. They need to have like-for-like replacements for their important players. Secondly, the Bulls must tighten up their discipline and defensive structures. Leinster found it too easy at times to circumvent their tacklers, and the space they left at the back allowed their opponents' attack to thrive. Three tries in just 23 minutes effectively sealed the game for the home side, and there was no coming back from that 19-0 deficit. Too many penalties due to ill-discipline and missed tackles cost them, and if they can eliminate some of those unforced errors, it will help them keep their footing in crunch games. With the addition of Pollard and Serfontein, their backline will also see some calmer heads. The Bulls' game management in pressure situations, especially in that final, was poor and cost them. Pollard's ability to control the tempo and territory under pressure will be critical. He kicks consistently well and brings additional leadership on the field. He will be that calming influence they dearly need. With strategic acquisitions to the squad, improved discipline on defence and better game management, the Bulls will be able to finally shed their dreaded URC bridesmaid tag in 2026. The missing puzzle pieces are almost in place for White's side. It's now only for them to seize the opportunity to make it their year when the new season starts in September.
IOL News
6 hours 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.'
IOL News
8 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
