Southern Kings director of rugby Alan Solomons has confirmed that flanker Luke Watson will captain the side in next year's Super Rugby tournament.
The former Bok has led the EP Kings in the Currie Cup's First Division this season. He missed the opening rounds due to a shoulder operation and a quad strain but has impressed since his return, scoring eight tries in four matches.
"Luke is a player that will score plenty of tries for your team," Solomons told keo.co.za.
"But it's his general play that has been very impressive. He's been in great form since coming back from injury."
Solomons believes that Watson could even add value to the Springboks.
"Luke has proven he is a quality player and he can make an impact at a higher level, but it's up to (Springbok coach) Heyneke Meyer to decide on who he wants to use in his team," he said.
Meanwhile, it's been confirmed that Western Province fly-half Demetri Catrakilis has signed a two-year deal with the Kings.
Catrakilis did not feature in any of the Stormers' matches during this year's tournament and his inabilty to break into their matchday squad is believed to be the reason for his move to the Kings.
"Demetri is the more experienced player among our fly-halves," said Solomons.
"He's shown great form during the Currie Cup Premier Division over the last two seasons for WP.
"His kicking at goal and out of hand has been excellent. I'm surprised he hasn't played Super Rugby for the Stormers."
Comments
UBA05 says...
Always thought he was a good player even though i haven't seen him play in recent times. IF he is as good as he was when he was starting for the stormers, then that plus his experience, makes his captaincy for the new franchise a no-brainer, unlike what some posters below, who can't see beyond their own noses would have you believe, that is was not a case 'daddy dearest' factor.
For all those 'puke watson' idiots below, his father especially, championed greatly against apartheid regime in SA rugby, then surely his son's heart must be in the right place, whether the battle is long over or outdated or misdirected, I dont know for sure.
But you must ask yourself why SOME black south africans, would take the time and spend their hard earned money to buy an all black jersey and pay to go to a stadium and support the all blacks against the springboks?????
Posted 11:26 22nd September 2012
daibok says...
Watson was a very good player at WP and Bath but his attitude and the way he is seemingly manipulated by his father leaves a bad taste and infers that the Bokke are a white racist club.
Times have changed but the Watsons live in the past and are very close to the ANC, who have no interest in Rugby other than for their own gain.
We will one day have a team that is representative of the majority population and the Watsons will be irrelevant. The sooner the better.
Posted 12:03 21st September 2012
APV1 says...
I liked him at Bath, but he's got a mountain to climb to get into the Bok squad again.
Posted 11:19 21st September 2012
Ramage says...
daibok I think your comments are a bit CHEEKY.
Posted 11:12 21st September 2012
jonesy2 says...
luke the puke captain! awesome to hear. always thought he was an admirable character in SA rugby.
Posted 09:49 21st September 2012
Bones7 says...
What a joke. Not a bad player by any means but nauseatingly self important. He wasn't actually seen spitting on the Springbok emblem if I recall correctly but he said that wearing the shirt made him feel physically sick due to him believing it was a 'symbol of apartheid'. Quite how he can be so opposed to one system of equality and happily bask in the injustice that was the Kings saga with his own father at the reins.
Posted 22:14 20th September 2012
boksmashoffice says...
Hopefully a few of the Boks will be lining him up when he plays against them at the start of the next season. I would have a big problem with playing with Puke Watson after his comments.
Posted 21:19 20th September 2012
RUGBYorDIE says...
What a clown
Posted 16:24 20th September 2012
TRF_Ezequiel says...
True, Watson admitted that he did not want to wear the Springbok shirt ever again since it is a symbol of Apartheid. He was seen spitting on the Springbok emblem, giving him the nickname "Puke Watson"
Posted 15:29 20th September 2012
SACanuck says...
What a suprise. Daddy at work again for his little boy!
Posted 13:43 20th September 2012
Houston_11 says...
I thought Watson had a big gripe against SA Rugby and refused to play for the national team? Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought that was part of his decision in moving to Bath a few years ago?
Posted 12:35 20th September 2012
daibok says...
Watson captain. Now there's a surprise. Who'd a thought it?
And I see the pressure starts again to include him in the Bok squad. 8 tries against the second tier - surely a must for the Boks?
Posted 11:51 20th September 2012