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Scotland No.8 Josh Strauss returns to Europe as a medical joker
By Online Editors
Josh Strauss has returned to European rugby, with the former Scotland No.8 signing on as medical joker at Oyonnax.
Now 34, Strauss still cuts an imposing figure at 6'4 and 114kg, and replaces fellow Scottish international Luke Hamilton in the squad.
The Bulls confirmed that Strauss had left the franchise back in June, insisting his departure from Loftus Versfeld was by “mutual consent”.
Capped 24 times by Scotland, Strauss in fact started his career in France with Lons le Saunier during the 2007 - 2008 season.
In 2008, he left to play for the Lions club in South Africa until 2012 before heading to PRO14 side Glasgow in 2012. The big forward showcased much of his barnstorming best rugby in Glasgow colours, and was a particular favourite of the Warriors supporters, some of whom feel his colossal carrying has never quite been replaced.
Strauss joined Sale Sharks in the summer of 2017. The South African born Number 8 made 46 appearances in all competitions during his time at the club, scoring five tries in total.
In 2019, the big number 8 joined South African Super Rugby franchise the Blue Bulls.
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Latest Comments
I'm honestly not so sure. I initially thought just reckless mainly because no player should be capable of doing that intentionally.
There's a strong argument that he's working both the eyes. It's his left hand he uses which is furthest from the ball he's contesting. His fingers are also clenched which I don't think is a natural way to try and rip a ball.
Go to comments"I see those teams, SA in particular, as only improving their performances in EPCR."
well, its gone the opposite direction so far!
"I don't like your model that requires them to reach Semi Final level in the Challenge trophy, given the bottleneck that will be URC with 16 teams playing for only 4 places."
my model would have given SA 3 spots in a 16 team CC this year, which is the same number as they have in the 24 team version that is actually taking place. But yes, if they keep getting worse it would get harder for them to get places. It would also get harder for you to argue that they deserve places though!
"I suggest by giving say Englands two semi finalist first seeds of the english teams, then the next best 4 on the league table as much better (it catches improving teams faster)."
interesting argument, but it doesn't always go that way. Gloucester are improving, but they improved in cup competitions before league fixtures started going their way. The same is true of Sharks, and the same was true of la Rochelle. I think maybe this is just an argument for allowing more teams to qualify via the challenge cup!
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