Springbok and Stormers winger Gio Aplon is set to become the next high-profile South African to head to France after it was revealed he was “close to signing” a contract with French club Grenoble.
SuperSport – Brenden Nel
Reports in the French media say Aplon is set to become the next high-profile signing for the club, who recently completed the transfer of Jonathan Wisniewski from Racing Metro and are on the prowl to sign more big name stars.
The success of clubs such as Toulouse and Toulon in recruiting big name foreigners continues to drive French rugby and it seems Aplon – now 31 and unlikely to be part of Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer’s plans going into next year’s Rugby World Cup, may well leave the Stormers at the end of this year’s Super Rugby season.
According to French newspaper Midi Olympique, the club have revealed that they are “close to signing” not only Aplon, but also All Black midfielder Francis Saili as they look to add more flair and pace to their backline.
Aplon has played in 17 tests for the Boks, the last being the drawn third test against England in 2012 but is a crowd favourite at Newlands after his exploits for the Springbok Sevens team, the Stormers and Western Province.
Eish… and so the exodus continues.
At least this one only happens AFTER Super Rugby.
As good as Gifappeltjie is, he is coming towards the end of his career.
Appeltjie, dit sal ‘n sad dag wees…
Dammit, reality stays a bitch
Sadly South African coaches are obsessed with size.
I once knew a girl like that.
4 @ Loosehead:
Interesting you mention that Loosehead as when I was looking at the Cheetahs article about centres I was thinking about how much rugby has evolved with not one of their centres less than 90kg.
I’m starting to change my mind about our players playing overseas. SA is building great depth. SA will have super rugby, heineken cup, japanese league, french league, vodacom cup, premiere league etc. SARU must just manage the players so that they are available for the boks.
@ Loosehead:
how many players left the country though last year?
Why is Aplons case considered in isolation because he happens to be small? he is 31 so im sure his reason is good money as much as why most players go to europe.
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