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Kobus van Wyk has exited Leicester with immediate effect
By Liam Heagney
Leicester Tigers will see out their double-chasing 2021/22 campaign minus South African Kobus van Wyk who has been granted an early release from the English club for an unspecified reason. The 30-year-old back made just a single Gallagher Premiership appearance this season - versus Saracens in October - but played three times in the Premiership Cup, most recently against Newcastle on March 18.
Terms, though, have now been struck between the club and the winger for a parting of the ways with Leicester heading into the business end of the season out in front in the Premiership and preparing for a round of 16 Heineken Champions Cup tie versus Clermont.
A Tigers statement on Thursday read: "Leicester have agreed to terms with Kobus van Wyk, allowing the outside-back an early release from his contract with the club. The 30-year-old has made 18 appearances for the club since his debut in October 2020.
"Prior to joining Tigers, van Wyk played for New Zealand’s Hurricanes and had spells with the Stormers and Sharks in South Africa, as well as a short stint with French club Bordeaux-Begles. Kobus van Wyk's release is effective immediately."
Leicester boss Steve Borthwick added: “I want to thank Kobus for his contribution to our club during his time in Leicester. He joined us at the start of this journey we are on and has played a part in building the foundations for what is to come at Tigers. I wish him and his family all the best for the next chapter."
Competition for places at Leicester ratcheted up in recent weeks with their recruitment of the 35-year-old Chris Ashton, the former England winger who was released by Worcester in December. He showed last Sunday at Exeter that he has lost none of his prowess for scoring as his two tries at Sandy Park drew him level with Tom Varndell as the all-time record Premiership try scorer.
“I’m glad to get a couple of tries. This is a good team so there are always going to be opportunities if I’m doing what I normally do," said Ashton. “I’m honestly at the stage of my career where I’m desperate to be involved.”
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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