Rugby Transfers: Springbok hopeful’s delayed Sharks arrival, Wallabies prospect commits
Jordan Hendrikse won't join the Sharks from the start of the season while Charlie Clare has signed a new deal.
The Lions have confirmed which players will be leaving the club at the end of the 2023/24 season, with Springboks hopeful Jordan Hendrikse notably not included in the list.
Hendrikse is set to join the Sharks from the Johannesburg outfit and will link up with his brother Jaden at the Durban-based side.
Lions’ departees
Following the conclusion of their season, the Lions have bid farewell to Corne Fourie, Tyler Bocks, Hanru Sirgel, Stean Pienaar, Emmanuel Tshituka, Travis Gordan, Andries Coetzee, Sibusiso Sangweni, Ruan Smith and Willem Alberts.
But Hendrikse’s name was not included on their departees list, and the union has since explained the reasoning as he is set to start the new season with the Lions before linking up with his new team.
The Lions have clarified to Supersport that Hendrikse’s contract only expires in December 2024, an unusual anomaly since the South African franchises moved from Super Rugby to the United Rugby Championship.
Contracts have aligned to conclude with the end of the European season, and he looks set to fulfil his contractual obligations before heading to Durban.
The delayed arrival in Durban will put the Sharks’ fly-half stocks under some pressure, with Curwin Bosch heading to French Pro D2 club Brive while Siya Masuku is pressing for higher honours with the Springboks. The Sharks also confirmed that Lionel Cronje has not signed a contract extension, which may open opportunities for more youthful members such as Jean Smith.
As for the departing Lions players, Springboks flanker Alberts is hanging up his boots and could be joined in doing so by hooker Fourie.
Centre Bocks is off to England, signing for the Ealing Trailfinders and Sirgel has signed with French club Grenoble. However, the remaining players have yet to seal moves to new clubs.
Ex-Sharks and Gloucester hooker Franco Marais is the only confirmed arrival for the Lions.
Four Springboks included in the Sharks’ 17-man player clearout
Charlie Cale re-signs with Brumbies
Breakout Brumbies back-rower Charlie Cale has penned a contract extension with the Super Rugby Pacific club until the end of 2025 season.
The rapid loose forward made his debut for the side in Round Three of the season and has been a standout for the ACT side, leading many to predict that he will be in Joe Schmidt’s Wallaby plans this year.
“It’s incredibly exciting, the contract process can be long but when it’s done, I get to stay at a place I call home,” said the versatile 23-year-old.
“I love the Brumbies, I was born in Sydney, but I call this place home now, they took a chance on me and I’m forever graceful.
“I want to be here, and I want to be here for a long time.”
Brive add Georgian grunt
Pro D2 club Brive have added another high-profile name to their books ahead of the 2024/25 season, signing Georgian international lock Konstantin Mikautadze.
The abrasive second-rower, who has played over 70 Test matches, has signed a two-year deal with the ambitious club following the likes of Courtney Lawes and Bosch in joining the side.
In another boost to the club, highly-rated back Mathis Ferté has extended his contract with the side for a further two seasons, re-committing to Brive until 2028.
The 18-year-old has shone on the wing for Brive this season, scoring 13 tries, and has played scrum-half, centre and full-back as well.
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