Planet Rugby

Toulon skipper confirms Smit arrival

12th January 2013 16:54

John Smit

Toulon bound: John Smit

Reports linking former Springbok skipper John Smit to Toulon have gained credibility after captain Joe van Niekerk welcomed his countryman to the club.

French press reports suggest that the Saracens hooker has already signed a deal to head to the French south coast where he will join fellow 2007 World Cup-winners Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw.

Van Niekerk Tweeted a welcome messages to his fellow King Edward High School old boy Habana after the wing's move was confirmed on Friday and included Smit, suggesting his move is also sealed.

"Welcome my incredible Red brother @BryanHabana the Living Legend @JohnSmit123 and the beast of a man @DanieRoussouw we gonna SYNERGIZE," tweeted Van Niekerk.

Ex-Bok lock Botha also aired his delight at the arrival of former team-mates next season.

"With me and @bigjoevn at RCT looking forward to all the South-Africans joining us over the time. Small bok town. RCT," he tweeted.

Comments

rugby_rockstar says...

Another frenchman (sebastien bruno) get booted out of his position. As an Englishman I love it. Its the english football system and the french national team will go the same way as the national english football team. Okay, you can win the euro cup, we'll have a better shot at the six nations and world cup thanks!

Posted 15:58 18th January 2013

Spartacus says...

I agree that Toulon are exciting to watch as they have some amazing players...BUT it isnt sustainable. It reminds me of when Saracens splashed money on superstars in the latter stages of their careers. It was ok for a bit as it boosted the profile of Saracens, but things had to change.

Posted 23:32 13th January 2013

pierredelot1 says...

Better the overpaid has beens at Toulon, than the can't win a club match players in Wales. Stop whingeing some of you. They're a great club to watch (Not mine) and play an entertaining open game. Bet you wish some of those hasbeens were playing for you.

Posted 23:17 13th January 2013

ArmchairGeneral says...

I mean Bok heavy.

Posted 21:28 13th January 2013

ArmchairGeneral says...

@Dafydd: I do.

However I think they're making a mistake in becoming too Bol heavy. There is a nice multicultural melting pot going on and I think it will turn into the Boks and non-Boks. Could divide the camp with all the lovey dovey "bro" reunions. Mind you I don't mind if Toulon fade away. The non-Boks can shift and let Toulon become Sarries 2.

Posted 21:26 13th January 2013

sirtidychris says...

I love watching toulon play, right or wrong its exciting to see names like Habana, Wilko, Giteau, Botha, Hayman, Roussow etc, its like an all stars team. Smit leaving is good in my opinion, sarries will get a nice transfer fee, brits is one of the best there is and jamie george is an amazing prospect and needs more match time.

Posted 09:29 13th January 2013

Ben7 says...

Dafydd29

I hope u don't mean habana, rossouw, van niekerk and bakkies because they're all still amazingly good players. So to answer your question, I would like to watch them play

Posted 23:17 12th January 2013

RugbyLeRoux says...

@Dafydd29 the guy is a rugby legend and am sure will contribute in a positive way to an already amazing team. Bitter much?

Posted 22:46 12th January 2013

Dafydd29 says...

Who the hell wants to watch overpaid has-beens play?

Posted 20:06 12th January 2013

philipjfry says...

Smit: 'Jissis bru, thats a larney burger van.'

Posted 19:33 12th January 2013

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