SIX Border Bulldogs players have been invited for trials by the Southern Kings as the PE sides’ recruitment for their new Super Rugby squad continues.Scrumhalf Ntando Kebe, wing Mike Makase, prop Yanga Xakalashe, hooker Mihlali Mpafi, flanker Onke Dubase and loose forward Billy Dutton will have three weeks starting from yesterday within which to impress the Kings technical team.
Border Rugby Union administrator Monde Tabata said the invitation of the six was good news and proof that something positive was happening at Border.
The gesture, he added, was an indication that Border’s rebuilding project that started in 2014 was beginning to yield positive results.
The recruitment of Border players may come as a surprise to many, especially considering the Bulldogs’ poor results.
The Bulldogs finished at the log basement of the Currie Cup First Division for the last three years in succession.
However, individual brilliance triumphs over team performance in the eye of talent scouts which may have been the case in this instance as well.
If selected for the final squad, the six will have an opportunity of a lifetime, a major boost to their careers compared to the rather average Currie Cup First Division rugby they are subjected to in Bulldogs colours.
“We are excited as Border that so many of our players are being considered for Super Rugby actions,” said Tabata.
“It really means a lot because here are players who part of a Bulldogs group that was put together only in 2014 and are already attracting the eye of a Super Rugby franchise.
“It is a great opportunity for the individual players as well in terms of exposure and the development of their personal careers.”
Should the Bulldogs contingent’ trials be successful, Border will start their 2016 season with seven men short having lost Lukhanyo Am to the Sharks late last year.
Tabata said there were plans to replace those who make the cut.
The players could not be reached for comment yesterday.
The Saru (SA Rugby Union) High Performance General Manager who identified the six was not available at the time of writing as his phone rang unanswered.
Border stars vie for Super honours
Scrumhalf Ntando Kebe, wing Mike Makase, prop Yanga Xakalashe, hooker Mihlali Mpafi, flanker Onke Dubase and loose forward Billy Dutton will have three weeks starting from yesterday within which to impress the Kings technical team.
Border Rugby Union administrator Monde Tabata said the invitation of the six was good news and proof that something positive was happening at Border.
The gesture, he added, was an indication that Border’s rebuilding project that started in 2014 was beginning to yield positive results.
The recruitment of Border players may come as a surprise to many, especially considering the Bulldogs’ poor results.
The Bulldogs finished at the log basement of the Currie Cup First Division for the last three years in succession.
However, individual brilliance triumphs over team performance in the eye of talent scouts which may have been the case in this instance as well.
If selected for the final squad, the six will have an opportunity of a lifetime, a major boost to their careers compared to the rather average Currie Cup First Division rugby they are subjected to in Bulldogs colours.
“We are excited as Border that so many of our players are being considered for Super Rugby actions,” said Tabata.
“It really means a lot because here are players who part of a Bulldogs group that was put together only in 2014 and are already attracting the eye of a Super Rugby franchise.
“It is a great opportunity for the individual players as well in terms of exposure and the development of their personal careers.”
Should the Bulldogs contingent’ trials be successful, Border will start their 2016 season with seven men short having lost Lukhanyo Am to the Sharks late last year.
Tabata said there were plans to replace those who make the cut.
The players could not be reached for comment yesterday.
The Saru (SA Rugby Union) High Performance General Manager who identified the six was not available at the time of writing as his phone rang unanswered.
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