Tiaan Basson: Race to sign player dubbed South Africa's next superstar

Tiaan Basson is being tipped as the next South African superstar, but they may not be able to hang on to one of the fastest rising talents in the game with clubs in the Premiership, Top 14 and even Australia’s NRL showing an interest.

The 16-year-old has proved to be a social media sensation after clips of him playing for Cheltenham College after going to the United Kingdom on a schools exchange programme attracted thousands of views.

Basson, who attends Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, has been compared to a younger version of Saitama Wild Knights star Damian de Allende and Montpellier ace Jan Serfontein.

He is already 6ft 2 and has just started Grade 11, which is considered the most challenging year of South African school, but as he is widely regarded as the best schoolboy player in his age group, clubs are beating a path to his door.

Basson’s time in Cheltenham attracted the attention of Sale Sharks, Bristol Bears and Bath, who were all keen to sign him up only to find out that he doesn’t yet qualify for a UK work permit.

He is tipped to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Wium Basson, a former lock with the Bulls who toured the UK with the Springboks in 1997, four years before his tragic death when he was only 25 after a battle with cancer.

His father, Handre, played for Western Province under-20s, and his uncle Hein played for the Bulls at a similar level, so rugby runs deep in the family's DNA.

Basson displays haven’t gone unnoticed in France, where he has attracted interest from Toulouse, Toulon, and Stade Francais scouts with all three clubs ready to make offers.

Sydney Roosters, with the help of the NRL, which is establishing a fund to lure players from non-rugby-league countries like South Africa and Argentina, are also interested in signing him when he leaves school.