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13/05/2008 22:07
Stephen Nell
Cape Town - Ollie le Roux won't play against the Lions on Saturday but the Stormers have been granted permission to select him for Super 14 rugby if the need arises.
Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus said on Tuesday the former Springbok prop forward was not part of his planning for the important match in Johannesburg this week.
However, the SA Rugby Union's manager of legal affairs, Christo Ferreira, confirmed that the Stormers had been given permission to play Le Roux.
The veteran prop, who played for Leinster until recently, has been released by Irish administrators and has been registered with the Durbanville club.
This means he meets all the requirements should the Stormers need his services this week.
It is also possible that he may be granted permission to play in a Super 14 semi-final if the Stormers qualify for the playoffs.
Erasmus pointed out that he had been saying all along that Le Roux was only helping out. "He is a friend of mine and helped a little with the scrumming today," the coach said.
"I think we'll start with Brian Mujati at tighthead prop against the Lions, with Schalk Ferreira at loosehead and Brock Harris on the bench," he added.
'Sun would rise for the Stormers again'
Le Roux said on Tuesday Erasmus had asked him to assist the younger players, but he added, "Of course, I'd like to make my debut for the Stormers."
Le Roux is not surprised by the success the Stormers have enjoyed this year. "I can see that what Rassie has created here is similar to what he did when he was with the Cheetahs.
"When I heard he was coming to Cape Town, I knew the sun would rise for the Stormers again.
"When 45 000 spectators attend a match in wet weather, you are doing something right."
When he was asked whether the next few weeks would be a pleasant way to end his rugby career, Le Roux responded by saying, "You guys have been asking me about my farewell for years. I have had a few."
He is certainly enjoying his time in Cape Town, where his father used to play for False Bay.
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