Western Province have finally made a big move in the transfer market as they have managed to hold on to Blitzbok star Seabelo Senatla.
WP Rugby announced on Thursday that they have secured Senatla for the next three years on a similar basis as they had in the last few seasons, where he will be on a “tripartite contract”, which would make him available to WP and the Stormers whenever he is not part of the Blitzboks or possibly Springbok teams in future.
Senatla’s capture is a huge boost to WP and the Stormers’ resources as they have lacked a real finisher out wide since the departure of Bryan Habana to Toulon after the 2013 Super Rugby season.
The Springbok Sevens flyer was the leading try-scorer in the last World Sevens Series season with 66 tries, 18 more than the next best player. Apart from his tremendous pace, Senatla’s work-rate and willingness to get stuck in on defence are other attributes that will come in handy for WP and the Stormers.
But the big question is exactly how many games will he turn out for the Stormers in Super Rugby, as he has made just six appearances since 2014. Hopefully with the Rio Olympics out of the way, Senatla will be allowed more time to grow in the 15-man code and challenge for a place in the Springbok team, and the only way he could achieve that goal is by excelling in Super Rugby.
Senatla, though, is unlikely to turn out for WP in the Currie Cup this year due to that wrist injury sustained at the Olympics.
“It is a pity that Seabelo injured himself at the Rio Olympics, but we are grateful to be able to call on his services for the next three years,” WP director of rugby Gert Smal said in a statement on Thursday.
WP also officially announced a whole host of newcomers for the Currie Cup season, including another Blitzboks star in Werner Kok (on loan from Saru), utility back Scott van Breda, hooker Martin Ferreira and flank Stefan Willemse (short-term contracts) and hooker Neil Rautenbach (on loan from the Cheetahs).
“Werner has proven himself as one of the best Sevens players in the world, and he has all the attributes to be an outstanding backline asset for us. We are excited to see what he offers in the Currie Cup,” Smal said.
WP will hope to get back on to the winning trail against the EP Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday after losing their first two matches against the Bulls and Cheetahs.
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