Cape Town - The Southern Kings will be able to call on the services of former Junior Springbok lock Irné Herbst next year as the Vodacom Super Rugby franchise confirmed the names of six new signings for 2016, three of which have come through the Eastern Province Academy structures.
Herbst, who played for the SA Under-20 side in 2013 and represented Currie Cup finalists, the Vodacom Blue Bulls, this season, will provide necessary grunt upfront.
He will be backed up by the experienced Chris Heiberg, a prop with experience of Super Rugby at the Stormers and Western Force over the last four seasons.
Another edition to the Southern Kings’ tight five is Wandile Putuma, who made his mark for the Border Bulldogs’ age-group teams before a brief move to Kimberley, where he represented Griquas in the Currie Cup Premier Division this year.
These three experienced players will be joined by Garrick Mattheus (flyhalf), Yaw Penxe (wing) and Sintu Manjezi (flank / lock).
Mattheus was a member of the EP squad that won the SA Rugby Under-19 Championship in 2015, while Penxe, who was still at school last year, played for the EP Under-19s this year. Manjezi has come through the EP structures and represented the province at Under-16, Under-18, Under-19, Under-21 and senior levels.
“It’s encouraging to see these players keen to sign up to get a taste of Super Rugby,” said Southern Kings coach Deon Davids.
“Irné, Chris and Wandile will provide some experience and it’s especially pleasing to see players progressing through our academy structures to senior rugby.
“Garrick had a very good Under-21 season and I believe he’s ready to make the step up, while Sintu is a versatile and explosive player and I believe he can make an impact for us next year.
“Yaw might still be young, but I’m very excited about his prospects - other youngsters have proven in the past that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough and I believe he can follow in their footsteps.
“We’re in the process of finalising contracts with a number of other players and we’re also busy putting together a list of players who we would like to form part of the wider squad on a trial basis.”