Two Cavaliers seek greener pastures
Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:23
The Boland Cavaliers suffered a double blow when two of their star players decided to play their rugby elsewhere next season.
Coach Deon Davids is devastated.
"Yes, I can confirm that loosehead prop Jean Botha will turn out for the Cheetahs next season and No.8 Dries van Schalkwyk for the Blue Bulls," Davids said.
"It's a massive blow.
"They have been two of our stars so far this season. Without a sponsor and money on the table I am not in a position to keep them playing for Boland," Davids said.
Davids said both players guaranteed him their utmost best until the very last day with the Cavaliers.
"I can understand their positions. Therefore there is no hard-feelings," Davids said.
Since the Fidentia scandal early last year left Boland without a major sponsor, the team has lost several stars to other provinces.
They include Hennie Daniller, Jongi Nokwe, Tewis de Bruyn and David de Villiers (Cheetahs), Rayno Benjamin and Walter Venter (Lions), JP Joubert (Blue Bulls), Dewaldt Duvenage and Ruan du Preez (WP), Piet Myburgh (Italy), Coenie Basson (France), Francois Prinsloo (New Zealand) and Jacques Schutte and Callie Wannenburg (Falcons).
And if that is not enough, experienced Henley du Plessis and Tommy Dixon have retired because on injuries, while hooker and captain Conrad Burke will only return to the playing field next season - also because of an injury.
SAPA
