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Grant lost to Stormers?

Perth - Stormers flyhalf Peter Grant, who booted the Waratahs out of the Super 14, could be the next Springbok player to sign with an Australian side.

According to the Rugby Heaven website, Grant, 25, has told associates that should he not be selected for the Springbok squad this season he will seek to play next year in Australia.

The Super 15 side he would be most keen to join is the Western Force, which almost recruited him last year when it needed a replacement for Matt Giteau, who left to rejoin the Brumbies.

Grant was not in the Springbok squad for next month's Test against Wales in Cardiff that was named after Saturday's 25-6 semi-final win by the Stormers against the Waratahs in Cape Town.

Insiders say that Grant, who has five Test caps, is no certainty to be selected for the Boks' remaining mid-year Tests against France and Italy (twice) despite his impressive season that included his scoring 20 points against the Waratahs, with six penalties and a conversion, last weekend.

If omitted, or if Grant senses his Springboks days are over, it is believed he will try to get a start on anyone intent on playing overseas once their World Cup hopes are over by joining the Force.

The Force on Thursday reassured Grant that their door was open, although he rejected an offer from them last year that eventually went to another Springbok in Andre Pretorius.

The Force said they had not spoken to Grant recently, but their general manager, Mitch Hardy, said: ''We got pretty close to him when we were looking for a marquee 10 last time.

''So if he was keen to come and have a look at Australian again - pending what happens with his Springbok aspirations - we would be keen on having a chat to his management. Absolutely.

''We still have a No 10 spot available, so if he is still keen in a chat we would be interested. We had some really good talks with him last time. He has had a fantastic season.

''But I would be very surprised if he doesn't get in the Springboks squad, to be perfectly honest.

''We had sort of written off that he would be a Springbok now and that his time would be taken up this year and the next with the World Cup.

''But you never know. South African rugby is a strange animal at the best of times. So, if he gets cast aside, we will be ready to jump. I think he would go down well in Australian rugby.''
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