Naka will still use Brussow

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské is looking on the bright side after confirming that flank Heinrich Brüssow is heading to Japan.

 

Drotské confirmed to the Volksblad that Brüssow will still play Super Rugby after he decided to accept the Japanese offer.

 

His contract at the Cheetahs runs until after this year's Currie Cup, but Drotské agreed to release him earlier on the condition that he returns to play Super Rugby.

 

The Japanese season does not run concurrently with the southern hemisphere tournament, which will see Brüssow return to Bloemfontein early next year. He will thus follow in the footsteps of Stormers flyhalf Peter Grant, who plays club rugby in Japan but returns to Cape Town to play Super Rugby.

 

However, Brüssow's contract in Japan does not allow him to play for the Springboks, which means his dream of adding to his 20 Test caps is on hold for the foreseeable future.

 

"Heinrich is definitely a big loss for the Currie Cup. But it gives another young player the chance to come through," said Drotské.

 

"SA teams are under pressure. All the franchises lose players. There are a lot of good SA players heading overseas.

 

"With the current exchange rate, it's tough to keep the guys year."

 

Volksblad