Basson says no to Treu, yes to Lire
Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:00
South African Sevens coach Paul Treu suffered a severe setback with the news that Stefan Basson, one of the best players in the world, decided not to accept a Springbok contract.
Basson was recently lured back from Italy by Treu, for the last two tournaments on the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series circuit - in London and Edinburgh.
At that stage Treu was confident that Basson would accept a contract to represent South Africa for the next two years.
However, Basson has decided that he could make more money (Italian Lire) at his Italian club Rovigo and therefore did not accept Treu's offer of playing for South African Rands.
"Yes, it is a massive blow," Treu said.
"Stef is one of world Sevens' biggest drawcards and match winners. He is an enormous player and an asset to any team in the world."
Basson, however, has agreed to play for the Boland Cavaliers in the forthcoming Currie Cup competition.
Basson wanted to join Rovigo on August 1, but Boland CEO Piet Bergh insisted he stays until the end of August.
"All Stefan has to do now is to clarify his new starting date with Rovigo, but I'm confident we will be able to use him.
"By the end of August he could have played nine matches for us - and hopefully scored a lot of tries," Bergh said.
The Cavaliers will possibly use Basson at fullback as it is known that he prefers to wear the No.15 jersey.
SAPA
