Roux going for short-term stint
by Gavin Rich 27 June 2012, 13:45
Quinn Roux’s stint with Irish club Leinster is likely to be on a short-term basis only, with the Stormers negotiating for him to return to the franchise in May next year.
The young Western Province Vodacom Cup lock, who is believed to have a big future in the game, has informed his current employers that he wants to further his education in the game in Ireland, where the heavy emphasis on forward play will benefit him. However, although he was made an offer by the Bulls, Roux has made it clear he wants to return to Cape Town once he has gained that experience.
“Quinn has seen an opportunity to go to Leinster to learn as a lock, and I am actually okay with it as he is coming back to us next year and we could benefit from what he learns there,” said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.
“Over the next few weeks we are looking to finalise his return to us at the end of next May, which is when the northern hemisphere season ends. At the moment he is playing behind several other top locks so playing opportunities for him here in the Cape are limited at the moment, but we could benefit hugely from him playing a season alongside former All Black Brad Thorn.”
It is understood that Roux, who was excellent as a replacement for the Stormers against the Bulls in the last Stormers match, was approached by the Bulls to take up a contract in Pretoria at the end of the Super Rugby season – but the former Affies schoolboy would prefer to play overseas. According to Stormers officials, he has said the Stormers and WP are his preferred South African options.
Coetzee also confirmed on Wednesday that the Stormers have opted to let wing Danie Poolman take up a three year contract in Ireland. Poolman played several games for the Stormers in 2011 but although considered to have massive potential when he was under-21, he hasn’t really come through to fulfill that potential at senior level.
Stormers captain Jean de Villiers said he thought Roux had made the right decision.
“A lot of kids leave school and take a gap year, Quinn is now doing that and working at the same time. I played a season in Ireland and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. If you are doing it for the right reasons, it is the right thing to do,” said De Villiers.
