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'Impressed by his aspirations': Harlequins sign SA lock Herbst
By Kim Ekin
Harlequins have signed South African second row Irne Herbst from Benetton for the 2022/23 season. According to the Londoners, the 29-year-old forward, who has spent the past five years in Italy, emerged as a clear talent during his time in the age-grade programmes in South Africa, appearing for the South Africa Schools and U20 sides during his time with the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.
The 6ft 6in, 121kg lock kicked off his senior rugby career with the Bulls in the Provincial Cup and Currie Cup competitions before graduating to Super Rugby with the Southern Kings in 2017 prior to moving to Italy to join Benetton.
Playing in both the European Challenge Cup and Heineken Champions Cup before helping Benetton lift the PRO14 Rainbow Cup in 2021, the physical tight five forward is well versed in the highest levels of northern hemisphere club rugby.
Harlequins head coach Tabai Matson said: “We’re delighted to announce that Irne will be joining us next season. We have been looking to secure the signing of a physically dominant second row and Irne is someone we believe will fit in well within our system.
“Irne has proven during his time throughout the age grades in South Africa and within the highest level of club rugby that he is a relentless, hard-working lock that can offer a point of difference for us around the park and at the set-piece.
“When we first spoke with Irne, we were impressed by his aspirations in the game; his desire to keep growing and the challenge the English Premiership will present him. We’re excited to welcome him into the Harlequins fold this summer.”
Herbst added: “I’m delighted to have signed with Harlequins. To join such a prestigious team within English rugby and the current Premiership champions is a fantastic opportunity. Harlequins play one of the most famous brands of rugby in the world at the moment and an attacking style that’s so clearly connected to the team’s history and DNA.
"I’m looking forward to putting in the work and playing my part in the team. This is a team that is very clear on how they want to play and how they want to operate and I’m eager to get stuck in next season.”
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Latest Comments
No just because the personal is much better than last year. I've shown no antagonism of Crusader players, you must be confusing me with someone else.
I have critized Razor for picking players he knows occasionally?
I said I'm not surprised because of his style, he's more a grinder player like Cane, not going to show up on peoples radar until you see how bad the other choices are. This year players like Clarke have been on fire and just show a bit more.
Are you one of those posters continually taking it easy on Razor because he doesn't have his Crusaders stars available? Do you think the rugby world is going to up to him suddenly once Mo'unga returns? lol
Go to commentsJohn you have been beating this drum for a couple of years, if you get proven right get back to us.
The last recent and decent Aussie coach was Ewen McKenzie, he was undermined and forced out by a couple of slimy Aussie players who were given a free pass when they should have been disciplined.
So our history since McQueen is very checkered and it seems to make little difference whether we have an Aussie coach or a Kiwi coach. The players have been entitled for a long time and we had to hit bottom to get them back into reality and to stop thinking it is all about them.
Cheika was an OK coach but his 'go our and destroy the opposition' tactic worked for a while and then didn't.
Please give me a list of great Aussie coaches that I have missed.
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