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Stephen Nell
Cape Town – Butch James arrived in Johannesburg via jet this week, but the Golden Lions Rugby Union’s deep pockets could not convince Andries Bekker to move from Cape Town.
The Springbok lock told Sport24 this week that he recently extended his contract with Western Province until the end of next year. The move followed persistent rumours since last year that he was on the Golden Lions Rugby Union’s (GLRU) shopping list.
“Newlands is my place. It was nice to walk off the field on Friday night and be applauded by the crowd,” said Bekker.
“It’s good to be back, and I don’t think I will ever move from Newlands.”
What about rumours of the Lions’ interest in him?
“The offers were there, but the Cape is my place. I have signed again until the end of next year, and am not going anywhere soon.”
Bekker made a successful comeback in the Stormers’ 15-0 win over the Lions in a pre-season friendly match in the Neo Africa Tri-series.
Last year he established himself as one of the leading locks in world rugby, with some outstanding form, and there were even suggestions that he could replace Victor Matfield in the Springbok side.
However, Bekker underwent a back operation, and the match against the Lions was a first step back after months on the sidelines.
He will lead the Stormers in Saturday’s friendly match against the Sharks at Newlands in the absence of Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers.
With Anton van Zyl having suffered a serious shoulder injury, Bekker’s fitness and presence will be of major importance for the Stormers from the outset.
The big question, of course, is how long it will take him to become that phenomenal athlete again that saw him likened to All Black lock legend Colin Meads in New Zealand last year.
Bekker’s goals are modest for now.
“I would firstly like to establish myself in the team again. Anton had an excellent season last year, and my primary goal is to make the No 5 jersey my own again,” said the Cape giant.
“Then I hope to have another season like last year. Every guy has to wait his turn for the Bok jersey. Victor has played over a hundred Tests for the Boks, and is still the best in the world, so I will have to be patient. I am still young enough.”
Meanwhile, Springbok centre Jean de Villiers has also indicated that he would like to stay with WP, rather than go and play overseas again after the World Cup.
“Yes, definitely. I’m busy with negotiations,” De Villiers said when asked whether he was considering staying in the Cape after this year.
De Villiers doubts whether there will be a major exodus of top players from South Africa at the end of this year.
“I think people are under the impression that a lot more players will head overseas than what will ultimately be the case. If WP want me, I will definitely stay. That is my first option,” he said.
“All the guys are enjoying it here and want to stay at WP to be part of the brand. We spoke among one another as players, and would all like to be part of it.”
Cape Town – Butch James arrived in Johannesburg via jet this week, but the Golden Lions Rugby Union’s deep pockets could not convince Andries Bekker to move from Cape Town.
The Springbok lock told Sport24 this week that he recently extended his contract with Western Province until the end of next year. The move followed persistent rumours since last year that he was on the Golden Lions Rugby Union’s (GLRU) shopping list.
“Newlands is my place. It was nice to walk off the field on Friday night and be applauded by the crowd,” said Bekker.
“It’s good to be back, and I don’t think I will ever move from Newlands.”
What about rumours of the Lions’ interest in him?
“The offers were there, but the Cape is my place. I have signed again until the end of next year, and am not going anywhere soon.”
Bekker made a successful comeback in the Stormers’ 15-0 win over the Lions in a pre-season friendly match in the Neo Africa Tri-series.
Last year he established himself as one of the leading locks in world rugby, with some outstanding form, and there were even suggestions that he could replace Victor Matfield in the Springbok side.
However, Bekker underwent a back operation, and the match against the Lions was a first step back after months on the sidelines.
He will lead the Stormers in Saturday’s friendly match against the Sharks at Newlands in the absence of Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers.
With Anton van Zyl having suffered a serious shoulder injury, Bekker’s fitness and presence will be of major importance for the Stormers from the outset.
The big question, of course, is how long it will take him to become that phenomenal athlete again that saw him likened to All Black lock legend Colin Meads in New Zealand last year.
Bekker’s goals are modest for now.
“I would firstly like to establish myself in the team again. Anton had an excellent season last year, and my primary goal is to make the No 5 jersey my own again,” said the Cape giant.
“Then I hope to have another season like last year. Every guy has to wait his turn for the Bok jersey. Victor has played over a hundred Tests for the Boks, and is still the best in the world, so I will have to be patient. I am still young enough.”
Meanwhile, Springbok centre Jean de Villiers has also indicated that he would like to stay with WP, rather than go and play overseas again after the World Cup.
“Yes, definitely. I’m busy with negotiations,” De Villiers said when asked whether he was considering staying in the Cape after this year.
De Villiers doubts whether there will be a major exodus of top players from South Africa at the end of this year.
“I think people are under the impression that a lot more players will head overseas than what will ultimately be the case. If WP want me, I will definitely stay. That is my first option,” he said.
“All the guys are enjoying it here and want to stay at WP to be part of the brand. We spoke among one another as players, and would all like to be part of it.”
