In demand: Andries Bekker
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Stormers and Springbok lock Andries Bekker is being courted by several overseas clubs, according to South African media reports.
The 29-year-old, a popular player with those who like to bet on rugby, will be able to pick and choose where he wants to further his career when his contract with Western Province expires at the end of 2013.
Bekker's agent, Hilton Houghton, said although signing a contract extension with WP was not out of the question, clubs in the Northern Hemisphere were clamouring for the player's signature.
"There will obviously be lots of interest in a player of Andries' quality, but he currently has other priorities," Houghton told Die Burger's website.
Clubs from France, Ireland and England are reportedly trying to obtain Bekker's services.
Bekker's biggest current priority, however, is to make a return to action after he missed the Springboks' end-of-year tour to Europe last year due to an injury to his right big toe.
Meanwhile, the Stormers, who are amongst th favourites to win the tournament with bookamkers like Paddy Power, with resumed their pre-season preparations for the upcoming Super Rugby tournament.
Flank Schalk Burger is set to return after missing the entire 2012 season due to a knee injury. More clarity regarding the injuries of wing Bryan Habana (knee), scrum-half Dewaldt Duvenage (leg), utility forward Rynhardt Elstadt (breastbone), centre Marcel Brache and hooker Tiaan Liebenberg (both neck injuries) will be known later this week week.
The Stormers kick off their Super Rugby campaign away to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, February 22.
They are are likely to play two warm-up games against the Cheetahs and Boland, with the dates yet to be confirmed.
Comments
5Lock4ward says...
My guess is Stade Francais as they've got to start making some kind of moves in order to get back to competing for championships. They've got money to burn on top level international players. That said it could be money being burnt indeed if Bekker cannot regain and maintain his fitness. It seems like ever since he burst onto the scene and was named as Matfield's replacement he's been oft injured and out of the Bok line-up.
Posted 21:09 08th January 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
The South of France is a massive lure. very hard to argue with those sort of living conditions AND a massive pay cheque too. I always why not? The guy deserves to reap the rewards of his endevours, All professional rugby players are going to need new knees by the time they hit fifty anyway, their bodies go throw the grinder every weekend, give them their due.
Posted 15:47 08th January 2013
jmckenna92 says...
Bound to be for Leinster, they are in the market for a 2nd row, would imagine your typical French clubs like Racing, Bayonne, Toulon etc are interested
Posted 13:41 08th January 2013
Chopper says...
@123Counties...he's 6 feet 10 inches but has had a lot of back problems in the last couple of years.
Posted 12:36 08th January 2013
ruggabugger says...
Would be great to seem him in Leinster - need him in the line outs, or next to Bakkies in Toulon, that would be a killer combination
Posted 12:24 08th January 2013
12Counties says...
I'm sure Leinster must be interested. We've only 4 foreign players (or non-Irish qualified at least) on board for next year by my reckoning (Isa, Van Der Merwe, Goodman and Quinn Roux), is that right? We've McCarthy on board now too so a bit of scope for an import in the row. Does he scrummage on the loosehead? Hes very tall isn't he? Might be able to show Toner how to use his frame while hes here....
Posted 11:30 08th January 2013
GCP_jones says...
Wow Toulon are'nt mentioned, thats a first.
Posted 11:12 08th January 2013