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Springbok Roelof Smit claims treatment at Bulls made him walk
By Online Editors
There is certainly no love lost between Lions new recruit Roelof Smit and his former Super Rugby side the Bulls - reports Rugby365's Leezil Hendricks.
The 26-year-old flank burst onto the scene in 2016. He was selected for the Springboks tour of Europe and played against the Barbarians.
He was on the verge of being selected for the Springboks in 2018 but numerous injuries have hampered his promising career.
And his lack of game time at the Bulls, where he spent several years, certainly did not make things any easier.
Angered and frustrated, Smit, who made the move across the Jukskei River to join the Lions ahead of the 2020 season, revealed why he left the Bulls.
“The main reason I came to the Lions was the lack of game time at the Bulls,” Smit told reporters, adding: “The Bulls didn’t back me.
“Yes, the last two or three years I did struggle with a few injuries, but the way I was treated this year [2019] made it so much worse. They didn’t even communicate with me.
“Going into 2019 I had huge expectations; was eager to work hard, I know what I can do and I was willing to sacrifice my body and really wanted to serve the team.
“However I didn’t get the opportunity and that is why I’m at the Lions now.”
The former Junior Springbok added that despite not having big expectations, he is happy to be at his new side and is eager to learn from the likes of Warren Whiteley.
“At the moment I just want to play rugby, I don’t really have big expectations. I’m just literally taking it day by day and enjoying my pre-season with the Lions.
“It already feels like I’ve been here for three years. I just want to learn from the likes of Warren Whiteley,”
He added: “The Lions work hard and I’m just very happy to be here. They work with you spiritually, physically and whatever level there is.”
The Lions kick off their Super Rugby campaign against Jaguares on February 2 in Beuness Aires followed by a fixture at home against the Reds.
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Latest Comments
I think it was a better rugby destination for him.
He was developed in Melbourne and had a relatively brief stint there. I think he was possibly dropped out of the squad for the return of someone like To'omua (also a Melbourne local) in 2019 ahead of the RWC. But then he wasn't picked up by another Australian team and went to play in Japan when he only really seemed to play a hat full of top level games (maybe injured for long periods??) before he went on to Scotland. But it was only in Scotland that he started to get a lot of consistent game time and selection.
The thing is, no one talked about him being a missed opportunity in Australia before he left - a little like Mac Hansen. But he has been able to forge a top level career since leaving. Both men only had a handful (5 or 6?) games at Super Rugby level before they made a decision to leave (or had it made for them I suppose). Other countries have gone on to develop them and that is great for them and it is probably good for the global game as it means the best players are rising to the top - if not in their birth country than in another. I think there are a lot of issues with poor player development in Australia but I don't know if these two blokes are very good examples of it.
Go to commentsOk I understand. Give them my number please Nick.
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