Jantjies, Mapoe moves sealed
by Brenden Nel 29 October 2012, 07:19
The worst kept secret in South African rugby has finally been confirmed. Elton Jantjies will be a Stormer in 2013.
Jantjies signed the contract over the weekend to confirm the move that had been circulating in the media for the past few weeks and will return to the Lions at the completion of the Super Rugby season.
In addition to this, Lionel Mapoe, who was also chosen for the Springbok squad to tour Ireland, Scotland and Wales this past weekend, has agreed to a loan term at the Bulls and will move there when he returns from the Bok tour.
The two deals were confirmed by their agent James Adams on Monday morning.
“Both players have committed themselves now, and the deals are done,” Adams told superSport.com.
Jantjies will join fellow Lions Pat Cilliers, Michael Rhodes and Jaco Taute at the Stormers, who are still celebrating Western Province's exceptional Currie Cup victory from Saturday night and with the extra recruits seem to be a team that will start the season as favourites given their playing depth.
There also seems to be a move to Durban on the cards for Butch James, after the Sunday Times reported he had agreed to move back to Durban for one last season.
"I haven’t signed yet," James was quoted as saying on Sunday. "It’s about 90% sure. I’ve been speaking to them and I’m keen to go. I’ll basically be the back-up flyhalf (to Patrick Lambie).
"Playing at 10 in this last Currie Cup just made me enjoy it again," said James. "I don’t want to in six months think I should have carried on playing. I won’t be able to come back then."
While most of the Lions have sealed loan deals or moves since their exit from Super Rugby, there are still one or two more who may make the move in the next few weeks.
