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Louw capture the latest example of Quins following Sale's South African model
By Josh Raisey
Harlequins have continued to bolster their squad ahead of next season with the signing of Stormers and Springboks prop Wilco Louw.
The 25-year-old is the London club’s second signing so far this season following the announcement of fellow Springbok Andre Esterhuizen. Paul Gustard also brought three more South Africans to the Stoop last summer, Stephan Lewies, Simon Kerrod and Travis Ismaiel.
The 13-cap Louw will serve as a perfect replacement at tighthead for Kyle Sinckler, who will be moving to Bristol Bears next summer.
This approach of recruiting South African players is not new in the Gallagher Premiership as Sale Sharks brought in six players for the 2019/20 season.
The du Preez brothers, Robert, Dan and Jean-Luc all arrived as well as Akker van der Merwe, Lood de Jager and Coenie Oosthuizen to join the likes of Faf de Klerk and Rohan Janse van Rensburg who were already at the AJ Bell Stadium.
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With the South African Rugby Union scrapping its policy of only selecting players based in South Africa, or with a certain number of caps, there has been an exodus in recent times and Sale have been beneficiaries.
With clubs consistently trying to work within the salary cap, South Africa is effectively an untapped resource as wages are not be as high as having an English player in the squad.
The added bonus is that these players will not be away during the Six Nations, meaning there is more game time for the players from the southern hemisphere.
However, the growing concern for supporters of English clubs - and England rugby - is that the drive to recruit players from South Africa may stultify the growth of younger homegrown players.
If a club wants to achieve as much success as possible, the logical option is to load their team with as many quality players as they can and the avenue of buying South African players seems to be the best option at the moment.
France had to introduce a new ruling in which clubs are required to have a minimum number of French players in their squad, as the Top 14’s wealth meant national players had been ousted by big signings from abroad.
The English game could well be going in that direction as well. Having said that, Quins will still have a large contingent of English players next season despite the departures of Sinckler and Chris Robshaw.
Rumours are also circulating that World Rugby player of the year Pieter-Steph du Toit may be moving to south-west London as well. While that will be beneficial to the squad and the players around him, it will only raise more concerns.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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