Cape Town - Western Province flank Rohan Kitshoff is set to leave the union to play for French Top-14 club Bordeaux Bègles.
According to Die Burger, Kitshoff played as an amateur the past few years as he never had a contract with Western Province.
However, WP coach John Dobson says Kitshoff is far from amateur.
"We are losing an unbelievable person, a hardened and brilliant professional sportsman," said Dobson.
Kitshoff, 26, excelled as a ball-poacher for WP in last year's Currie Cup before he represented Namibia in the World Cup in New Zealand.
His absence cost WP dearly, as they lost possession on the ground 100 times over a four game period.
He's also had a big influence on WP making the semi-finals of this year's Vodacom Cup, but has largely been overlooked by the Stormers coaches.
"He has thus far scored the second most tries (6) in the Vodacom Cup and was our Player of the Match a couple of times.
"But he's getting married soon and one can't pay the bills and plan a future if you have to play as an amateur," said Dobson.
WP take on the Pumas in the Vodacom Cup semi-finals at Newlands on Saturday.
According to Die Burger, Kitshoff played as an amateur the past few years as he never had a contract with Western Province.
However, WP coach John Dobson says Kitshoff is far from amateur.
"We are losing an unbelievable person, a hardened and brilliant professional sportsman," said Dobson.
Kitshoff, 26, excelled as a ball-poacher for WP in last year's Currie Cup before he represented Namibia in the World Cup in New Zealand.
His absence cost WP dearly, as they lost possession on the ground 100 times over a four game period.
He's also had a big influence on WP making the semi-finals of this year's Vodacom Cup, but has largely been overlooked by the Stormers coaches.
"He has thus far scored the second most tries (6) in the Vodacom Cup and was our Player of the Match a couple of times.
"But he's getting married soon and one can't pay the bills and plan a future if you have to play as an amateur," said Dobson.
WP take on the Pumas in the Vodacom Cup semi-finals at Newlands on Saturday.