1
Scarlets lock down Springbok Kruger to new deal
By Online Editors
South African international Werner Kruger has become the latest player to put pen to paper to agree a new deal with the Scarlets.
The experienced tight-head prop has been in Llanelli since arriving from Super Rugby side the Bulls in 2016.
Capped four times by the Springboks, Kruger was the first Bulls player to make a century of appearances in both Super Rugby and the Currie Cup.
He has played 89 times for the West Wales region, establishing himself as a hugely reliable front-row operator as well as a prop with an eye for the try-line, having scored eight times in Scarlets colours.
Kruger was a member of the Scarlets match-day squad that lifted the Guinness PRO12 title in 2017.
“I’ve had three really good years, winning the PRO12 in my first year, then backing it up by reaching another final and the semi-finals of Europe. It was an amazing start to my career abroad and with the Scarlets,” said the 34-year-old.
“This season has been a little disappointing, there have been some positives as well as some low points, but overall I am very much enjoying it here.”
Kruger added: “Moving over here was a tough decision to make, but it was definitely the right one. The family has settled in well, we have been warmly welcomed and that made the decision to sign on very easy.
“The body is feeling good and I am very much looking forward to the next couple of years here.”
Kruger is the latest player to commit his future to the Scarlets following on from the news that Wales Grand Slam heroes Jonathan Davies, Ken Owens and Rob Evans, as well as full-back Johnny McNicholl, have agreed new contracts.
The Scarlets have also signed second row Sam Lousi from New Zealand Super Rugby side the Hurricanes.
Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said: “Werner is a great professional. Not only does he do a good job for us on the field and helps with Samson Lee’s game-time, but to have someone with Werner’s experience out there when Samson is away is good for the young guys coming through.
“There is a bit of a gap to some of the youth in terms of when they will be ready so a guy like Werner is worth his weight in gold at the moment.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Rassie Erasmus explains so-called Willie Le Roux selection snub
3
Gregor Townsend breaks silence on his Scotland future
4
Fissler Confidential: Paddy Jackson Premiership bound?
5
Latest Comments
Firstly England were terrific for 82 minutes and deserve the plaudits.
Borthwick, though, must be the luckiest coach around .
Had a broken arm not occured Marcus would still be no 10 , had Russell put the kick over and France not dropped the ball , had Lawrence not been injured the scenario would be very different .
England beat the worst team in the northern hemisphere , let’s not get carried away .
The forwards scored 6 of the 10 tries and Mitchell’s was somewhat flukish .
The speed and power of play was the difference and the forwards were unrecognisable from previous games.
Had Marcus had such a ride in his games he too would have been praised for his play .
Ford came on against a poor and beaten team with the score 40 up . Easy peasy. Short memories fail to remember against Nz and Aus , top teams, he lost both games.
The changes were forced on Borthwick , not by natural selection and they have been all for the better.
Let's trust this is the start of bigger things and the excellent squad Borthwick has kick on . No pun intended.
Go to commentsI still think Englands 6 nations was a curates egg, both good and bad in parts, and it’s still far to early to declare that Borthwick and Co have now created a team to take on all comers.
This England sides win ratio against sides ranked above them is still pitifull.
The Autumn will tell us much more.
Go to comments