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Trio of clubs ready to swoop for Ben Te'o
By Alex Shaw
The vultures are beginning to circle for a number of the England stars who may be turning their back on international rugby after the Rugby World Cup next year.
Ben Te’o, who joined Worcester Warriors in 2016, is in a contract season at the West Midlands club and has been the subject of much interest from teams looking to bolster their midfield options next year.
With Te’o set to turn 32 next month, the upcoming RWC could signal the end of his international career and if he is keen to sign one last big deal before hanging up his boots, a move to France could be on the cards.
RugbyPass understands that the Top 14 trio of Racing 92, Toulouse and Toulon are all interested in Te’o, whose value has lessened at Sixways due to the potency of Ryan Mills and Francois Venter in the club’s centre spots, as well as the rises to prominence of homegrown talents Ollie Lawrence and Will Butler.
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Moves to the south of France have reinvigorated plenty of players in the latter stages of their careers and it could do the same for Te’o, who has faced his fair share of injury problems since making that 2016 move to Worcester. Should France not take Te’o’s fancy, RugbyPass understands that there is also interest from multiple Japanese clubs in the Top League.
Between the injuries, the regular international call-ups and a salary that rises above £500k with all add-ons and bonuses, it’s been a frustrating two-and-a-half years so far for the club who, whilst not relishing losing a player of Te’o’s calibre, seem happy with the other options they have and may be better served directing the funds to other areas of their squad, where the need to strengthen is more pressing.
The former rugby league player has picked up 16 England caps over the last two years, as well as starring on the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, and will be keen to finish on a high with club and country, should a move to France or Japan materialise over the coming months.
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Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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