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Springboks World Cup-winning flyhalf Andre Pretorius is on his way to PerthThe Emirates Western Force has signed former Springboks flyhalf Andre Pretorius as its marquee international for the 2010 season.
The 30-year-old sharpshooter was a member of the World Champion Springboks squad at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France and has compiled just shy of 650 points in Super Rugby for the Johannesburg-based Lions.
His prolific point-scoring record ranks him seventh on the all-time list in Super Rugby, owing mainly to his radar-like right boot which has so far slotted over 200 goals at provincial level.
Pretorius assumes the position of Welsh-bound prop Ben Castle in the team’s foreign import slot after eight seasons with the Lions.
The creative playmaker’s attacking potency has also been proven on the game’s biggest stage, where he amassed 171 points in just 31 appearances for the Springboks after making his Test debut in 2002.
RugbyWA General Manager, Rugby, Mitch Hardy said Pretorius brings experience and leadership to the Emirates Western Force program.
“Andre has a complete range of skills but he also possess a lot of leadership qualities and is highly regarded in South African rugby for the quality of person he is off the field,” said Hardy.
“He’s a game breaker with significant international experience and he can control a game, which is exactly what we were looking for in a number ten.”
Pretorius said he was looking forward to an exciting new chapter in his career.
“This was one of the biggest decisions I have had to make in my professional career,” said Pretorius.
“My loyalty has always been with the Lions and the 11 years I spent here has been tremendous and they assisted me in becoming a Springbok. That’s what made this decision difficult.”
“I am excited about the opportunity to play for the Force. I believe that their structures and type of coaching can get me to perform at my optimal best. I will be surrounded by great players which makes it easy to focus only on what you have to do.”
“Having experience is one thing, using it to your advantage is another and that’s where I think the Coach (John Mitchell) will play a big role.”
Pretorius will join his new team in Perth at the completion of the South African Currie Cup season, where he plays for the Xerox Lions in his native Johannesburg.
The Currie Cup final will be contested on October 31.
FACT FILE
Andre Pretorius
Position: Flyhalf
Physical: 176cm, 91kg
Age: 30 (Born 29/12/1978, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Super Caps: 69
Super Points: 645 (11t, 100c, 117p, 13dg)
Super Debut: 2002 v Brumbies, Canberra (for Lions)
Test Caps: 31
Test Points: 171 (2t, 31c, 25p, 8dg)
Test Debut: 2002 v Wales, Bloemfontein
Last edited by travelling_gerry; 19-06-09 at 10:33.
yay hahaha
Welcome aboard Andre...please leave drop goals at the door
coz Stone Cold says so
nice work.... great news now hopefully will be swiftly followed by J O'C signature and will be a great day!!!
"The only trophy we won this day, was the blood and sweat we left on the pitch.... and it was enough"
"Rugby may have many problems, but the gravest is undoubtedly that of the persistence of summer."
Chris Laidlaw, New Zealand rugby player and sportswriter. Mud in Your Eye: A Worm's Eye View of the Changing World of Rugby (I 973).
Another brick in the wall!!
'God invented beer to prevent Props from taking over the world'
Welcome Andre
Here's to finding your inner running and passing Flyhalf, I know it's there somewhere!
The leadership component should really not be undervalued, he brings an enormous amount of Rugby experience, especially experience with getting the most out of younger players.
............................................
James O'Connor.
There you go JO'C, fire away.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
fantastic news. c'mon JOC. confirm your signature with us![]()
Be There. Be Heard. Be The Force Behind The Force
Great news, nice to finally secure that position after months of speculation. One big one to go...
And he brings a little bit of South African influence that none of the other Australian teams have.
So thewont have the traditional Australian "game" but rather of mix of all 3 SH styles.
I bet he won't chuck a hissy fit if the coach has to have a few stern words![]()
A Kiwi ranting at a South African?
He probably wouldn't even understand what was being said Jargs![]()
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
How Long for ?
Wonderful news
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby