Jacques Potgieter
Joe Pietersen
The Cell C Sharks, often in the news in recent times for the wrong reasons as well as for their dismal Super Rugby form in 2015, have confirmed the signing of Jacques Potgieter, from the Waratahs for the 2016 season onwards.
In addition local media report that the Toyota Cheetahs pivot, Joe Pietersen will also move to the Cell C Sharks and will start playing there in the 2015 ABSA Currie Cup campaign already.
Jacques Potgieter:
The Cell C Sharks Media release reads as follows:
We are pleased to announce the signing of Waratahs loose-forward Jacques Potgieter on a two-year contract with the Cell C Sharks.
Potgieter is no stranger to the Cell C Sharks, having played his junior rugby in Durban. Over the last few years he has made steady progress up the ranks with his sheer physical presence and explosiveness, which resulted in a Springbok call-up in 2012. In 2014, he was instrumental in the Waratahs victorious Super Rugby campaign.
Confirming his signing, The Sharks CEO John Smit said: “Jacques is a great acquisition for the Cell C Sharks. He has been hugely impressive for the Waratahs and will add significant value and depth to our loose trio.
“We look forward to welcoming him back to Durban.”
Jacques Potgieter added: “I am really looking forward to joining the Cell C Sharks. This is the place where I played all my junior rugby and where everything started for me.
“I have great memories of my time in Durban and I am keen to contribute to the team’s ambitions in 2016.”
Jacques will officially join the Cell C Sharks in early 2016 for the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.
Joe Pietersen:
Cheetahs flyhalf and utility back Joe Pietersen could further his career at the Sharks, according to reports.
Pietersen, 30, joined the Toyota Cheetahs ahead of this year’s Super Rugby season but he may head to Durban to play for the Sharks once the ABSA Currie Cup starts.
With Pat Lambie expected to be with the Springboks for the Rugby World Cup, the Sharks’ flyhalf stocks will be a bit thin during the Currie Cup.
Pietersen previously represented Western Province and the Stormers as well as French clubs Bayonne and Biarritz.