The Boland Cavaliers have added four club players to their squad, ahead of the 2017 Currie Cup competition.
Following Boland Rugby’s (Grand Challenge) club finals, the following players have been added to Boland’s professional squad:
Emile Booysen (flank, Hillcrest United RFC), Francois Erasmus (flank, Darling RFC), Earl Snyman (centre, Robertson RFC) and Johannes Stefanus (centre, Robertson RFC).
In addition to these players, the team also secured the services of Valentino Wellman (utility back, Hamiltons RFC and Western Province) and Kyle Kruger (prop, UJ and Lions). Both players will join the squad from 1 September.
According to Boland Cavaliers head coach Randall Modiba, these players have been rewarded with a call-up after constantly good performances for their respective clubs over the past two seasons.
“We are very excited about the inclusion of these players and believe they will make the most of this opportunity,” says Modiba.
“It has always been our plan to reward our top performing club players, while Wellman is a former Boland age group player whom we are looking to get back into the system.”
Snyman and Stefanus both performed well for Robertson RFC during the playoff stages of Boland’s premier club competition, while Booysen was a standout performer for club side Hillcrest United throughout the season.
Erasmus, on the other hand, impressed for a Boland Invitational XV against the Cavaliers during a warm-up match, and was subsequently rewarded for his impressive display during this match.
None of Boland’s 2017 Grand Challenge club champions, Roses United were considered due to the team’s involvement in SARU’s Gold Cup competition taking place in September.
*Former Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks, one of Roses United’s top performers during Boland Rugby’s Grand Challenge play-offs, was involved with the Cavaliers squad during the pre-season. Hendricks recently opted for a move to Eastern Province where he trialled for their Top 12 squad. His departure opened the door for other Boland players who came through the club rugby ranks.
