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Pretorius targets Welsh cap

Johannesburg - Heineken Cup team, the Cardiff Blues will tour the country with South African born No 8 Andries Pretorius, who could possibly turn-out for Wales within the next two years.

The Cardiff Blues will play against the Free State Cheetahs at Grey College's main field on August 4 in Bloemfontein with Pretorius set to face his countrymen.

While Pretorius, 26, is relatively unknown in South Africa he is highly regarded in Wales as a possible future Welsh player.

His eligibility to play for Wales comes in the wake of a number of young South African talent leaving these shores to possibly turn out for other countries.

This follows the revelation last week that former SA under-20 captain CJ Stander had signed a two-year deal with Irish club Munster while Stormers wing Danie Poolman and flank Nick Fenton-Wells will be going to Connacht and Ulster respectively.

This is also comes off the back of Cheetahs flyhalf Sias Ebersohn's departure to Australian Super Rugby franchise Western Force.

Pretorius moved to the United Kingdom in 2006 to study business at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire and made his debut for the Blues in 2009.

Cardiff Blues chief executive Richard Holland said Pretorius was an exciting player and had a bright future ahead of him.

"He's certainly a big part of our squad and he is a talented rugby player," said Holland.

"From our perspective if he continues in that fashion he should catch the eye of the Welsh selectors as soon as he becomes eligible."

The match promoter, Willem Strauss said on Thursday that Cardiff Blues had confirmed that their players, who represented Wales in their recent tour to Australia, will be included in the touring team to South Africa.

Welsh captain, Sam Warburton will also be leading the Blues team against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Two of the Blues' injured stars, the British Lions centre Jamie Roberts and the former All Black No 8, Xavier Rush will accompany the team on the tour.

In one of the curtain raisers of the day, Grey's first team will be in action against Kearsney College from KwaZulu Natal.

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