According to reports in the South African press, Springbok and Cheetahs flank Juan Smith is set to move to France next year.
69-Test veteran Smith has been sidelined for most of the last two seasons due to an Achilles injury which required several operations, prompting fears that his rugby career was over.
Smith is fit to play again but, according to Volksblad, the 31-year-old could make his return in France, unless a South African team can make an offer he can't refuse.
Top 14 club Bayonne are reportedly the leading candidates for his signature.
"I'm ready to play again, but with the Currie Cup nearing its end, I don't want to put pressure on myself, " said Smith.
Comments
Doyley says...
One of the great Springbok flankers
Posted 03:44 05th October 2012
BMakka8 says...
Looking at that picture, surely Matt Damon should have played him in a film, not Francois Pienaar! Or maybe Juan could become a stunt double in Matt's next film?!
Posted 14:31 02nd October 2012
makemehappy says...
@Carlepone - are you suggesting if he's not fit, then he'll go to France LOL!!!??? I'd be surprised if he doesn't cash in. He's been a great servant, is a fine player, and like most, want's to make a lot of money at the end of his career..
Posted 13:38 02nd October 2012
scot_rsa says...
If it's true then good luck Juan. You have always placed the Cheetahs and Bok shirts above money and bled for them both. A smart, well-spoken guy as well as a truly hard player, the writing is on the wall. Year or two in Europe then please coach some of the SA youngsters and instil your ethics.
Posted 18:32 28th September 2012
philipjfry says...
@melkdave: 'the exodus of SA players just seems to go on and on'
It can't be much bigger than that of New Zealand. The majority of players leave for the Top 14, a league which pays on avarege 30,000 dollars a year more than the next richest league, the Premiership in England. The French clubs have salary caps of around 8 million euros a season.
'are things really that bad in SA'
Not for a pro rugby player, but it's pretty bad for the majority of the population.
Posted 17:40 28th September 2012
boksmashoffice says...
Juan you are a Bokke Legend. You bleed for the Boks and the cheethas.Bok fans would love to see you back in the green and gold.
Posted 11:32 28th September 2012
letsgoboks says...
Juan our long lost hero. Probably would've been rated as the best loose ever had he not been so injury prone.
I doubt he will ever leave the cheetahs if he stayed in SA. He's been so loyal up to now. Moving to France makes sense - considering his age.
Posted 11:00 28th September 2012
Carpelone says...
I fear we do not see him again in green and gold. And maybe Burger as well.
If he is fit, he will stay in SA though.
Posted 23:16 27th September 2012
bokbevok says...
I don't believe he will go, the bulls/stormers will sign him. The bulls are definitely in need of a world class loosie who always performs. He is just class and can't wait for him to put the green and gold back on.
Posted 20:46 27th September 2012
melkdave says...
WOW the exodus of SA players just seems to go on and on ,are things really that bad in SA I know that its now a profesional global game,and players will go where the money is ectbut there just isnt enough places in europe it seems to meet the demand from SH players wanting to move ,and with unions now bringing safegaurds for the development of local talant ,the places available will be even less in comming years.Looks like only the best of the best from the SH wil be playing in europe in a few years ,and that to me is a sad situation
Posted 14:06 27th September 2012
GCP_JONES says...
What ever you do Juan don't go to Bayonne,have you not watch their results over the last few seasons,
They are a prime example that throwing pots of cash away on high-profile players does not make a winning team.
If you are 100% you could have your pick of the clubs in Europe. Class player
Posted 13:36 27th September 2012