Bulls coach Jake White recently expressed his concerns about the growing trend of top South African players – including many Springboks – taking sabbaticals in Japan instead of staying committed to their local clubs.
“We talk a lot about developing players, but our job isn’t to train them up, give them the experience, and then watch them leave to become stars at other clubs,” White stated. “We’re in a country where rugby matters, and winning matters.”
White’s remarks were made in response to Kurt-Lee Arendse, who has been absent for most of the season due to his ‘sabbatical’ in Japan. Japan’s lucrative market has seen numerous Springboks, including Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk, Damian de Allende, Malcom Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Lood de Jager, join its ranks.
Another Springbok Considering Japan Move
Stormers and Springbok star Manie Libbok is now the latest player linked with a move to Japan’s Kintetsu Liners for next season, following earlier reports of a potential sabbatical.
Stormers coach John Dobson commented, “There’s been talk of a sabbatical with Manie. The first step was to get him back on the field after his knee injury, and then we’ll discuss it further.”
“It’s complicated,” Dobson continued. “You can’t just say ‘no’ if Manie has the chance to secure his financial future. He’s been a vital part of our success over the years, and we’ve benefited greatly from his contributions.”
Dobson added that no official decision has been made yet. “We haven’t sat down with Manie and his agent to figure out a plan.”
Meanwhile, BJ Dixon, another Springbok player with the Stormers, is reportedly considering an overseas move, while a dispute regarding his release clause with the Cape franchise heads to arbitration.
