Delport's future still undecided

2001-12-31 13:34

Philip de Bruin

Johannesburg - Clubs in England and Europe have already shown interest in the availability of Thinus Delport, Springbok fullback of the Lions, to play for them from the middle of next year.

Beeld reports that several overseas clubs are eager to welcome Delport to their ranks. Delport, who is seen in some circles as one of the best fullbacks in the world, will be able to pick and choose if he decides to look outside South Africa.

Delport, whose football career options for 2002 - with another week of 2001 left - are wide open, yesterday confirmed from the Eastern Cape, where he was on holiday, that teams in Europe and England had already "put out feelers" regarding his availability.

"It has only been preliminary talks with the overseas clubs, but what's the use of staying on in South Africa for the Currie Cup when I know for a fact that I will not be chosen for the Springbok team again?

"My contract with Sarfu expires in a week and will apparently not be renewed. I can just as well broaden my horizons and go play overseas where they need me."

As far as the first half of 2002 was concerned, Delport said, "nothing, absolutely nothing, has been decided yet".

"As we are speaking I can play for the Blue Bulls, the Lions or the Sharks - everything will depend on the offers and assurance that I can play fullback. This is exactly the problem at the Lions, with Conrad Jantjes being preferred on fullback over me.

"But it is still possible that Frans (Ludeke) and I sort the whole thing out. Then I'll be playing for the Lions next year and will be available for the Cats. All negotiations have in any case been suspend until January 7, when the managers of the rugby unions are back in the office."

He said he "knows nothing" about rumours that the Stormers were also suddenly interested in having him in Cape Town next year. "I hear stories, but no one has spoken to me yet."

- Beeld