Coetzee: 'Silly season here to stay'
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:54
Western Province coach Allister Coetzee feels that player transfers is a one of the pains of professional rugby, but that it is something that modern coaches simply have to get used to.
The player migration to Europe seems to be getting stronger, with news this week of two more big names that will be departing their South African unions to ply their trade in France.
Springbok and Lions loose forward Joe van Niekerk and Western Province vice-captain and lock Ross Skeate will both be joining big-spending French outfit Toulon in the near future.
Van Niekerk and Skeate will be joining recent recruits Tiaan Liebenberg and Francois van der Merwe at Toulon.
Both Liebenberg and Van Der Merwe have left Western Province in recent weeks. After Skeate's departure, the WP forwards squad will be left decidedly thin, and in need of reinforcement before next season's Super 14 season.
And Coetzee feels that the way his Province squad players have been steadily picked off by cash-flush Toulon over the past few weeks, is simply a fact of life these days.
"There's very little that one can do about that," the coach told reporters on Wednesday. "I think we're all aware that it is a professional set-up.
"The second thing is that the euro and the pound will always be a drawcard for players, especially if they are not in the starting mix. It's a personal thing.
"The other thing is that you don't want to sit with a player that is unhappy in the group. A coach uses a lot of energy to manage such a player, so that is also not on. You have to give other players an opportunity."
Coetzee pointed out that player movements was not only a problem at WP, but a reality at every union attached to the professional game.
"It's the silly season now, with players coming and going - that kind of thing will happen," he said.
"But it will affect other provinces too. Just look at the Cheetahs, compare what they were in the Currie Cup last year, and compare it with what they're sitting with this year.
"It is a reality, and we just have to deal with it. Maybe for a coach it's not what you'd love to see happening, but it's a reality.
Meanwhile, Joe van Niekerk's departure to Toulon was confirmed by his agent and mother, Cathy van Niekerk, a day after she described the deal as rumour.
"Joe van Niekerk has confirmed he will leave South Africa after the home leg of the Tri-Nations," a statement from Van Niekerk's agency read.
"He has signed a one year deal with Toulon with an option to renew for a further year.
"His agents, In-Site Athlete Management, said he had received several offers locally and abroad but had decided to opt for recently promoted Toulon as it was an exciting opportunity and a new challenge.
"He is particularly looking forward to playing alongside Jerry Collins and Tana Umaga, respected opponents of many past encounters.
"Joe said his blood would "always be green" and he is available should the Springboks need him in the future.
"He has enjoyed playing under Peter de Villiers and expects to earn his 50th test cap before he leaves at the end of August."
By Phil Coetzer
