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Harlequins set to snap up powerful Polish No.8
By Alex Shaw
According to the Polish Rugby Union official website, Poland’s captain Piotr Zeszutek is set to join Harlequins on a two-month loan spell, with an option to extend that stay.
Zeszutek, who has 15 international caps and plays for domestic club Ogniwo Sopot, is a strong ball-carrying number eight and has stood out with his performances for the Polish national team.
Should he make it on to the field during his stay in south-west London, the 27-year-old will be the first Polish player to play in the Gallagher Premiership. He arrives from the same club that Brive’s former Heineken Cup-winning number eight Grzegorz Kacala represented in the Polish league.
Per the report on the Polish Rugby Union website, the move was facilitated by Duaine Lindsay, the head coach of the Polish national team, who will continue to work with him whilst he is with Harlequins.
Zeszutek will reinforce Quins’ options in their back-row ahead of their season opener with Sale Sharks next month and offer a formidable presence with ball in hand, something that the club have lacked consistently since Nick Easter hung up his boots in 2016. He will compete with the likes of Mat Luamanu, Renaldo Bothma and James Chisholm for a spot at the base of the scrum.
Quins have shown they’re not afraid to take a risk on players from outside of Tier 1 in order to improve their ability to break the gain-line, having already secured the services of New Zealand-born USA Eagles representative Paul Lasike earlier this summer.
Both Zeszutek and Lasike will have their work cut out for them replicating their performances and obvious ability in the Premiership, but if they can achieve the same level of success in their carrying and collisions work, they could prove to be bargain additions to Paul Gustard’s side.
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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