Percy signs with Province

2008-05-29 07:33

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - The balance of power in South African rugby seems to have shifted back to the Cape, with ten Stormers players in the Springbok squad of 30 announced on Wednesday.

And, adding to the momentum, Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery is returning to his old union. He has signed a contract with Western Province after playing for a French club, Perpignan, earlier this year.

Montgomery will play Currie Cup rugby for WP when he is not on national duty. His contract runs until May 31 next year, which will enable him to play Super 14 rugby for the Stormers as well.

The details were announced by Rob Wagner, managing director of WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd, on Wednesday.

"I am very happy that Percy will complete his career here with us. He is a legend," Wagner said.

Montgomery played for the Sharks before last year's World Cup tournament, in which Schalk Burger was the only WP representative in the final.

Burger has been sidelined by an injury but ten of his Cape colleagues are in the Springbok squad for next month's two Test matches against Wales and the one against Italy.

They are Gcobani Bobo, Tonderai Chavhanga, Bolla Conradie, Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant, Conrad Jantjes, Ricky Januarie, Andries Bekker, Brian Mujati and Luke Watson.

94 Tests matches

With the exception of Conradie, the selection of the Stormers players can be seen as reward for good Super 14 performances. Conradie's experience probably counted in his favour when the scrumhalves were discussed.

The Sharks, the only SA team to reach the Super 14 playoff stage, have eight players in the Springbok squad.

Three players who were born in Zimbabwe have been included. They are prop forwards Mujati and Tendai Mtawarira, and wing Chavhanga.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers lauded Montgomery's experience when the squad was announced on Wednesday.

"Percy has played in 94 Tests matches. You don't buy that sort of experience at a flea market on a Sunday afternoon," he said.

Montgomery could become, before the end of the year, the first player to appear in 100 Test matches for South Africa.

De Villiers said players in the Springbok squad were also emerging as leaders and the captain, John Smit, would be able to rely on good support.

"People don't always realise what we mean when we say we are blessed with the talent at our disposal.

"The players are coming forward strongly, and that is precisely what we want. We are looking for leaders. John will captain the team but there are many leaders in the squad who will make his job easier."

The squad will leave for Bloemfontein on Sunday to prepare for next Saturday's first Test against Wales.

- Die Burger