Publications
Partners
Gerdie Karstens
Kimberley – The Blue Bulls, Lions and Western Province are apparently willing to splash the cash to sign Springbok wing Bjorn Basson from Griquas.
Basson, the leading try-scorer in Currie Cup rugby this year, is contracted with Griquas until the end of 2011, but the big unions are eager to get him before then. The Blue Bulls are believed to be leading the chase.
The current financial plight of Griquas, who have a smaller budget than some South African club teams to contract players, has created the climate for such negotiations.
Basson’s agent James Adams confirmed that several unions are “obviously” interested in the flyer.
“But there are no offers on the table,” said Adams.
He said that Basson planned on honouring his contract until the end of 2011 and would like make a positive contribution to Griquas rugby until then.
It is no surprise that some of the country’s top unions are chasing Basson.
He was a star for the Cheetahs in the Super 14 and earned his Springbok colours against Wales. His 14 tries also make him the leading try-scorer in the Currie Cup.
Friday’s Currie Cup match against the Leopards offers him the chance of taking another step closer to the Currie Cup try-scoring record of 19 held by Carel du Plessis and Colin Lloyd.
It will be a major blow to the Cheetahs’ Super 15 ambitions if Basson decides to trade Kimberley for Pretoria.
His darting runs and ability to create something out of nothing has made him an important player for Griquas. He has turned a number of games with his try-scoring ability.
Should the Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU) decide to release Basson from his contract, they are likely to receive a big transfer fee.
GWRU chief executive Arni van Rooyen did not want to say much on Thursday about Basson’s possible move.
“We get numerous offers for the players every week. It’s a common thing now that the season is open,” said Van Rooyen.
Basson and Griquas can expect the Cheetahs to try and drive a spanner in the works. They will be looking for approximately 60% of any transfer fee if the negotiations continue and succeed.
The Cheetahs’ Super 15 franchise apparently pay a portion of Basson’s salary and will be keen to keep him for next year’s extended Super 15.
Kimberley – The Blue Bulls, Lions and Western Province are apparently willing to splash the cash to sign Springbok wing Bjorn Basson from Griquas.
Basson, the leading try-scorer in Currie Cup rugby this year, is contracted with Griquas until the end of 2011, but the big unions are eager to get him before then. The Blue Bulls are believed to be leading the chase.
The current financial plight of Griquas, who have a smaller budget than some South African club teams to contract players, has created the climate for such negotiations.
Basson’s agent James Adams confirmed that several unions are “obviously” interested in the flyer.
“But there are no offers on the table,” said Adams.
He said that Basson planned on honouring his contract until the end of 2011 and would like make a positive contribution to Griquas rugby until then.
It is no surprise that some of the country’s top unions are chasing Basson.
He was a star for the Cheetahs in the Super 14 and earned his Springbok colours against Wales. His 14 tries also make him the leading try-scorer in the Currie Cup.
Friday’s Currie Cup match against the Leopards offers him the chance of taking another step closer to the Currie Cup try-scoring record of 19 held by Carel du Plessis and Colin Lloyd.
It will be a major blow to the Cheetahs’ Super 15 ambitions if Basson decides to trade Kimberley for Pretoria.
His darting runs and ability to create something out of nothing has made him an important player for Griquas. He has turned a number of games with his try-scoring ability.
Should the Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU) decide to release Basson from his contract, they are likely to receive a big transfer fee.
GWRU chief executive Arni van Rooyen did not want to say much on Thursday about Basson’s possible move.
“We get numerous offers for the players every week. It’s a common thing now that the season is open,” said Van Rooyen.
Basson and Griquas can expect the Cheetahs to try and drive a spanner in the works. They will be looking for approximately 60% of any transfer fee if the negotiations continue and succeed.
The Cheetahs’ Super 15 franchise apparently pay a portion of Basson’s salary and will be keen to keep him for next year’s extended Super 15.
