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Willie le Roux posts 'epic' farewell message to Toyota Verblitz
By Liam Heagney
Veteran Springboks full-back Willie le Roux has brought the curtain down on his four-year stay in Japan, posting his Toyota Verblitz farewell message on social media. Having spent two seasons at Wasps in England in the run-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the South African decided to stay on in Japan after the Springboks lifted the title.
The 33-year-old made his 50th appearance earlier this month for Verblitz and the seventh-place club ended their Japanese regular season last weekend with a 37-27 win over Shizuoka Blue Revs, a game that was also the last at the club for Joe Launchbury.
The England lock is set for a return to the Gallagher Premiership, with the ex-Wasps talisman having a deal already signed with Harlequins.
There was no indication as to what the club future holds for le Roux, Launchbury's old Wasps colleague, whether it might be back in South Africa with one of the URC teams or even with another club in Japan.
Le Roux wrote: “I’d like to thank the staff and my teammates for an epic four years and to our wonderful fans for always being so supportive. I appreciate the opportunity to have represented such a great team. Arigato, Toyota Verblitz.”
It was last November in London when le Roux won his 83rd cap for the Springboks in their Autumn Nations Series win over England. He will now return to South Africa to prepare for his country’s World Cup title retention bid, a project that kicks off with their Rugby Championship campaign versus Australia on July 9 in Pretoria.
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Latest Comments
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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