Taute's future confirmed, Jantjies' not
Springbok utility back Jaco Taute has signed for Western Province ahead of next season's Super Rugby campaign but Elton Jantjies’ future remains up in the air.
Taute’s expected permanent move from the Lions was confirmed by Western Province coach Allister Coetzee on Monday and is the first of several ahead of next year’s Super Rugby season.
“Taute has agreed to terms and there are more negotiations going on to secure other players,” Coetzee said, adding that potential new signings were for Super Rugby and not the upcoming Currie Cup campaign.
“The player negotiations we are busy with presently are aimed at strengthening our Super Rugby squad for next season,” confirmed Coetzee.
“At this stage the signings are not for the Currie Cup squad.”
Coetzee was tight-lipped about Jantjies, who like Taute joined the Stormers on loan from the Lions for this year’s Super Rugby season.
With Jantjies set to return to the Lions for the Currie Cup, Coetzee indicated that they were in negotiations with the Springbok flyhalf.
“That’s still under discussion,” Coetzee said. “There’s always a figure attached to things, so one has to make sure all parties involved are in agreement.”
Coetzee confirmed that they are in talks with Demetri Catrakilis following his impressive debut Super Rugby season with the Southern Kings but believes the 24-year-old is also being courted by the Bulls and the Sharks.
“His agent is talking to us and two other unions as well. We will announce any deal that’s in writing but he’s been linked to the Bulls and the Sharks. What is certain is that he is definitely going to play in the Currie Cup instead of the First Division,” said Coetzee.
Coetzee added that another flyhalf, Peter Grant, is eager to play for the Cape side after an injury-ridden Super Rugby season but has yet to put pen to paper.
“Obviously Peter Grant is really disappointed with how his season went, first the ankle and then the shoulder. There are a few other options for Peter but with how negotiations are currently going, he’s indicated that he’d really like to stay on in Cape Town for a period of time,” said Coetzee.
“He has to decide whether he wants to do another Japan stint but he’s looking forward to another opportunity here at Stormers/Western Province.”
