Gurthro chases Euro dream

While the SA Player of the year for 2010 surprised some with the announcement that he had signed for French club Toulouse after the Rugby World Cup, the 30-year old Bok is looking forward to a massive new challenge that will definitely test his abilities in new conditions.

Steenkamp joined Wallaby Luke Burgess and All Black Luke McAllister as the three high-profile signings announced on Wednesday by the French club, but still hopes to add some silverware to his collection before heading to France.

The loosehead prop said he was looking forward to helping the Bulls regain their form in this year’s Super Rugby competition before hopefully heading to New Zealand to help the Boks defend the Webb Ellis trophy. After that, and only then, will he start to dream about fulfilling his next goal.

“The Bulls have been good to me. If it wasn’t for them, and the setup at Loftus, I would never have achieved everything I achieved last year. I want to do my bit to get them back on top. Hopefully that won’t take too long,” Steenkamp said.

“I’m seeing the specialist later today so hopefully it won’t be too long before I join up with them again.”

There is a certain amount of relief for Steenkamp to have secured his future already this early in the season. It leaves him ample time to concentrate on his role at the Bulls and Springboks and hopes he can make a significant contribution. But next year, there will be the option of the French Top 14, and the elusive Heineken Cup winners medal.

“I’ve been very blessed in my career,” he said, “I’ve won Currie Cups and Super Rugby titles and was part of the 2007 World Cup squad. At the end of this year it is time for a new beginning for me, a new challenge. I want to play Heineken Cup rugby, and experience the lifestyle of living abroad while I still can.

“It is a different style of rugby, a whole new experience and it is something that excites me. I could have held out for a few more years, but I want to do it before I’m too old, and who knows what can happen in the future. I could be injured and never get the chance. It was a personal decision, Toulouse is a great club and their set-up is very professional, a lot like the Bulls. They are a successful team and I want to experience a part of that.”

And for a player who has won almost everything, a Heineken Cup medal would do wonders in the trophy cabinet.