Juandrč Kruger: On his way to Paris
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Springboks and Blue Bulls lock Juandrč Kruger has agreed a deal to join Top 14 big-spenders Racing Metro next season.
The 27-year-old represented his country in eight Tests since making his debut against England in June.
Kruger's contract with the Bulls expires in June 2013 and although the Pretoria-based outfit could secure his services until the end of next year's Super Rugby tournament, he opted for the move to Paris after that.
Bulls head coach Frans Ludeke said he understood why Kruger decided to leave.
"It is always good to know and to hear that your players are wanted all over the world, but unfortunately it is not always possible to hold on to them once those offers start coming in," he said.
"With the exchange rate as it is at the moment, it is very difficult to remain on level terms with those clubs when it comes to contract talks.
"We were very keen to extend his contract, but financially it was just not possible.
"We are very happy for Juandrč, as it is a great offer he received, but that left us in an unfortunate position that we could not match it."
Ludeke has no problem with Kruger's continued commitment to the Bulls in 2013.
"Not at all," he said. "Juandrč is a real pro and I know we can still expect a 110% effort from him.
"We sat down as a group recently to discuss our goals and objectives for 2013 and I am very confident that we will get an exceptional contribution from Juandrč right till the last game of our season."
Comments
boksmashoffice says...
The man got his springbok cap and now gets off. A joke and total disrespect to the jersey. i hope he never puts on the green and gold again.
Posted 22:37 27th January 2013
BananaBok says...
The different salary caps is creating such a mismatch, it's a pity one amount cant be agreed on across the UK and Europe. You cant blame a player for moving somewhere he'll make significantly more money, just imagine what his Bulls salary is, then imagine probably double that, but instead of Rands it'll be paid in Euro's. When he goes back to SA he'll be able to retire from rugby with plenty in the bank.
Posted 10:07 31st December 2012
Realbull says...
Yes understand that players moving around is part of professional sport. But look at Pierre Spies after 7 years and numerous offers he still remains loyal to the bulls. I mean Jeandre Kruger had 1 season and is leaving. Surely the player's intentions and commitment needs to be questioned? I guess every player has a choice...
Posted 04:19 19th December 2012
Chopper says...
Move Alberts to 4 and Etzebeth to 5 for the Boks. Then bring in either one of Coetzee or Schalk or Smith (when/if they return) for a better balanced and more dynamic back row.
Posted 19:21 18th December 2012
Irishzimbabwean says...
Realbull - I hear you but the man is midway through a career which can be terminated at anytime. Money does talk in the real world. Unfortunate for Heynecke Meyer as he and Eztebeth were developing into a powerful pairing.
Posted 12:09 18th December 2012
melkdave says...
Cant blame any player for wanting to sucure their financial future,and as ive said elsewhere ,if it wasnt France ,it would be somewhere else people where complaining about,buying the best players.The Top14 is going to be even tougher next year ,with the reported recent imports coming.French clubs you also cant blame,after all its all about wining in sport,and it is a bussiness,as long as the fans are happy and attendances are rising ,they will continue to bring in quality players to bolster their hopes of silverware ect.
Posted 12:01 18th December 2012
Realbull says...
Been at the Bulls for just 1 season and heading overseas...just showes the lack of loyalty of some players to a union.
Posted 10:09 18th December 2012
Johnny_Guitar says...
Some pack that Northampton Saints help create! Tonga and Mujati have developed massively at Northampton. Remember Tonga was playing for Beford before he came to us! It seems the French clubs have a bottomless pit of money, look at Toulon. We can't compete in England against that sort of spending power either.
Posted 09:45 18th December 2012
markmassive says...
Not to mention Jamie Roberts and potentially Dan Carter...
Posted 09:42 18th December 2012
ste490 says...
Tonga'uiha, Mujati and Kruger! That'll be some pack! UK salary cap needs raising I feel or all the top players will go to France.
Posted 09:15 18th December 2012