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Another Springbok Japan-bound
By Online Editors
Lions flank Albertus ‘Kwagga’ Smith has agreed to join the Japanese club Yamaha Júbilo.
The 25-year-old has signed a short-term contract with the side and will not be available for the Golden Lions’ Currie Cup campaign.
The former BlitzBoks player will return to the Lions ahead of the new Super Rugby season.
Smith’s eventual return will be a sigh of relief for the Lions, who face a mass exodus of senior players at the end of the season.
Confirmed departures include centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg (to Sale Sharks) prop Ruan Dreyer (Gloucester), lock Franco Mostert (Gloucester – although the Lions have disputed this) and flank Jaco Kriel (Gloucester).
While, speculation that fullback Andries Coetzee (Sale Sharks, Gloucester & Toulon) and prop Jacques van Rooyen (Bath) have been linked to European clubs.
Flyhalf Elton Jantjies, flank Cyle Brink and utility back Lionel Mapoe have also been linked to moves abroad.
Commenting on his move to Japan, Smith said: “I am honoured to be a member of the Yamaha family as the next step of my own rugby career.
“I have visited Japan, but I have the impression that it is a very beautiful country, and each other I am very impressed with the culture.
“I am convinced that the transfer to a team playing high quality like Yamaha will lead to further growth and leap as a player.
“Also my wife is looking forward to living in Japan so I will try my best to make a big contribution to the team.
“I am grateful to all the stakeholders of Yamaha who gave valuable opportunities like this time and I am looking forward to seeing you all.
“I will do my best to win the top league.”
@rugby365
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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