Pumas reveal new signings
The Steval Pumas have announced a number of new signings including the Southern Kings' bulldozing flanker, Thembelani Bholi as well as Sharks' scrum half Stefan Ungerer and utility three-quarter Neil Maritz.
Maritz is currently on loan to the Kings, but has not yet quite cracked the Super Rugby squad there. He made a few Currie Cup appearances for the Sharks last year, but faced very stiff competition in Durban at both outside centre and wing.
Ungerer is another player in a similar position. After unexpectedly being cut from the Sharks Super Rugby squad due to conditioning concerns, he has also been playing for the Kings as a loan player and will make his way to the Lowveld ahead of the Currie Cup season which will get underway late in July.
Yet another player from the Southern Kings, Cameron Lindsay will assist his teammates in the line-outs.
Head coach of the Pumas, Brent Janse van Rensburg welcomed the newcomers and said they have thankfully been successful in sourcing skilled staff with sound character and he believes they will add great value to the brand.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome our new staff and players to the Pumas family. A few have already arrived and currently find themselves in a top-up phase within our structures, while the balance is due to arrive after their Super Rugby duties have been completed. Our depth has been tested of late and our procurement plan is essential to provide it, as well as increase competition within our squad and ensure the presence of varying skill sets that can be put to use where required.”
The Emirates Lions prop, who made his Vodacom Super Rugby debut for the Johannesburg-based team against the Hurricanes, has already joined the Pumas.
Southern Kings flank Chris Cloete, who was drafted into the SA A team for their game against the French Barbarians at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, will also join the Pumas after the Super Rugby.
