Rugby
New start for Luke at Bath
2009-06-15 07:35
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Stephen Nell Cape Town – Luke Watson wants to end his career at Western Province on a flying note by having a favourable Currie Cup season.
"We have more goals to attain for the Currie Cup and I will do everything in my power to help make it a good season."
It was announced over the weekend that Watson will say goodbye to South African rugby after this year's Currie Cup and join English side Bath.
Watson is looking forward to a new chapter of his career after enduring a turbulent love-hate relationship with South African fans. "Bath will be a new start for me. It will also be an opportunity to grow and experience the game in the northern hemisphere."
The son of anti-apartheid activist Cheeky Watson, Luke Watson has been a controversial figure in SA rugby for some time. In 2007, he was included in the Bok squad against the will of previous Springbok coach, Jake White.
Last year he caused a storm when he allegedly said that he had to stop himself from vomiting on the Springbok jersey.
Watson earlier this year received the cold shoulder from the Newlands crowd, but slowly won back their respect with a string of strong performances.
He began gaining the respect in WP structures that he was asked to again captain the team. Watson successfully managed this task in 2006. His good performances put White under pressure to pick him for South Africa.
But his good performances in 2009 were not enough to convince the Springbok selectors to give him another chance.
Pierre Spies and Ryan Kankowski were this year chosen above him in the No 8 position.
Since his arrival in 2005, Watson played 33 games for WP and 60 for the Stormers. "It always has been and will be a privilege to play rugby for WP and the Stormers," said Watson.
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