The Pumas’ reputation as one of South African rugby’s most productive talent factories continues to grow, but it comes at a price.
Players developed in the Lowveld are regularly snapped up by bigger unions and overseas clubs, forcing coach Jimmy Stonehouse to constantly rebuild his squad.
Openside flank Ruwald van der Merwe has signed with Glasgow Warriors, while tighthead prop Sampie Swiegers will join Harlequins later this year. Lock JJ Scheepers is also heading abroad after securing a move to Sale Sharks.
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For Stonehouse, it’s a familiar story.
“It is nice to see our players getting contracts. It has now been proven time and again that players who come here have a good chance of getting opportunities elsewhere,” he told Netwerk24.
But the constant turnover presents a challenge.
“Sometimes it becomes difficult. It is sometimes difficult to build a team. As soon as we get the guys to a certain level, they are on their way somewhere else again. But we know that is why we are here.”
The list of players who have moved on in recent seasons is lengthy. Among them are Stefan Coetzee (Newcastle), Tinus de Beer (Dragons), as well as Eduan Swart and Ross Braude (both Sharks). Outside backs Sebastian de Klerk and Devon Williams also moved on to the Bulls.
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Stonehouse says the trend is now even affecting how players approach contracts.
“Guys only want to sign one-year deals because they think that will be long enough for them to get another opportunity somewhere else,” he explained.
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
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