Juan confirms French interest
9 Oct 2012
Juan Smith says a stint in France is a possibility when he makes his comeback next year.
Reports emerged over the last fortnight that there were several French clubs interested in the veteran Springbok flank. It’s believed that Bayonne are the favourites to land his signature.
Cheetahs CEO Harold Verster also confirmed last week that the Bloemfontein franchise would welcome the player back during Super Rugby next season. He has played nine seasons of Super Rugby for the Cats and Cheetahs since making his tournament debut in 2003.
Smith is currently busy with rehabilitation as he recovers from an Achilles injury that has kept him sidelined for the past two seasons. The 31-year-old is set to return to action in 2013.
Smith said he would contemplate all his options before making a final decision.
‘I’m currently a free agent and the Cheetahs haven’t offered me a contract yet,’ Smith told keo.co.za. ‘There have been offers from France. If I get a good deal from one of those clubs, I might move overseas.’
In previous interviews with this site, Smith said he wasn’t interested in a move abroad. However, he admits that his bad run with injuries could see him reconsider his career choices.
‘There was a time that I saw myself finishing my career at the Cheetahs. But all this time I’ve spent off the field has allowed me to rethink things.
‘We’ll see how things go over the next few months. Right now, I’m focused on my rehab. And if a good deal comes my way, whether it’s from local or overseas teams, I’ll take it.’
By Gareth Duncan
24 Comments
9 Oct 2012, 04:49 am
Go for it, Juan. Do it for your dragons!
9 Oct 2012, 05:09 am
Yip, he deserves a good pension cheque. I assume the sudden turn around means the Meyer had a chat with him and explained he may be surplus to requirement, maybe?
9 Oct 2012, 06:07 am
@Slartibartfast-2:
He’d be a fool if he did.
Anyway, the Cheetahs should make him a fair deal. Give him a pay-cheque similar to that of Adriaan Strauss.
They’re not a bad side if they can sort out a few key positions.
Those being:
*Prop alongside Coenie – One of Caylib Oosthuizen & Rossouw de Klerk will hopefully solve that issue though.
*A decent pair of locks – Waltie Vermeulen still studying medicine or ready to throw himself at rugby?
*A settled loose trio – Need to find two who will consistently play alongside Heinrich. Too much chopping and changing, and Downey can’t even start for Griquas at the moment.
*A good right wing to play opposite Raymond Rhule.
And then they need to drill these guys to defend their hearts out, because the Cheetahs often don’t look too bothered on the defensive side of the ball.
9 Oct 2012, 06:22 am
@hendrikp-3:
Who would be a fool?
Anyway, you missed the biggest and most obvious change needed at the Cheetahs, get rid of Naka and get a proper coach in there.
9 Oct 2012, 06:58 am
@Slartibartfast-4:
Meyer, if he told Smith that he would be surplus to requirements.
Fair point. Naka doesn’t have the greatest record, but then again, I’m not sure they have the greatest facilities available either, nor are they able to hold onto their most promising players.
What the Cheetahs really need is for SARU to hurry up and bring in ‘central contracting’, followed by a Super Rugby roster & a draft that takes place after the Currie Cup.
Allow each team to select say, 4 props, 3 hookers, 4 locks, 5 loosies, 3 scrumhalves, 3 flyhalves, 3 centres, 3 wingers & 2 fullbacks.
Then everybody else goes into a draft. Simple.
9 Oct 2012, 07:02 am
@hendrikp-5:
Oh, and once and for all, they need to ban overseas based players from playing for the Springboks.
Considering the current situation, I’d say the best way forward would be to say those that have already signed contracts overseas remain available, but any player that renews his contract, or signs another, therefore becomes unavailable for the Springboks.
Need to stop the exodus.
Currently Gurthro Steenkamp, Fourie du Preez & Jaque Fourie could be playing for the Boks, while Ruan Pienaar & Francois Louw are both included.
Also, Heinke van der Merwe, Quinn Roux (though returning), CJ Stander & Gerhard Mostert are 4 young players I reckon could be making a big impact in SA right now.
9 Oct 2012, 07:20 am
juan smith deserves to make as much money while he can, considering his age.
i would not begrudge him that. he should go out and do his thing and form and luck permitting he might get a swansong with the boks.
9 Oct 2012, 07:21 am
@hendrikp-5:
At 31 and a two year break it may be premature but probably the right call.
FS has great facilities and all the scientific help they need on their doorstep. I would love to see the back of Naka but the bigger cancer is Harold Verster.
9 Oct 2012, 07:24 am
Ja and in respect to the drafting system, spot on. You achieve zero when talent is pooled in one spot to the detriment of not only other unions but also the players.
9 Oct 2012, 07:31 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-7:
If he gets an offer that makes sense, then by all means…
I just hope it’s not because the Cheetahs didn’t make him a fair deal. If he’s fit, they should give him at least what he was on previously, because truth be told, they need him at near his best.
@Slartibartfast-8:
Fair point. Who to take his place though?
The Cheetahs first need SARU to sort their 5h1t out. Give them a way to compete with the Big-3 for the top players.
I mean how nice would it be if the Cheetahs could get some of the Lions players into their starting-xv’s. Instead, those guys are going to go ride the bench elsewhere.
JC Janse van Rensburg, Franco van der Merwe (going to Sharks, would’ve been starting 5 at Cheetahs), Warren Whiteley & Andries Coetzee would fit in perfectly.
9 Oct 2012, 07:35 am
@hendrikp-6:
agreed on overseas players.
i dont like it.
9 Oct 2012, 07:38 am
@hendrikp-10:
either would work for me, as long as he maeks as much as he can for rainy days.
9 Oct 2012, 07:47 am
@hendrikp-10:
Well they should have forked out some money last year to get Jake, now it is to late. Go big and ask Mallet who will also attract some players…
But going back in time, Gysie should have had a few years when the Col retired but Harold gave it to his maatjie which in turn lead to the up and coming youngsters all going to Durbs. Plenty other problems on the admin side but not the time to discuss that now.
9 Oct 2012, 07:50 am
Go for it Juan, you’ve served your country with pride & distinction…but remember, your body isn’t going to be able to keep going at the high levels of performance that you demand from it forever…and you fully deserve to make as much money out of it as you can while you still can.
Good luck!
9 Oct 2012, 08:07 am
Best thing for Juan if he gets to play rugby for more money at a lesser intensity for a while. Japan would probably be even better.
9 Oct 2012, 08:21 am
We need this guy in the Bok team. I think he still has a lot to offer and the long break he’s had may just extend his playing career to 2015.SARU should help the Cheetahs keep him in SA.His leadership qualities will be of tremendous value in the Bok team.With more guys like him in the team you would never see the Boks imploding the way they did in the second half on Saturday.
9 Oct 2012, 09:09 am
Like previously said, this is just a game being played to try and get a massive contract out of the Cheetahs. Typical strategy the last few years.
As much as we all love Juan, anybody would be crazy to pull out millions for a guy who would most probably break down after the 2nd game again… if he gets that far.
9 Oct 2012, 09:18 am
A free agent, so Free State were not renewing his contract and covering him while injured, meaning he had to go into the workforce (he is working for a company right now). Not very pro if you ask me to treat your captain like that, should have been on some sort of retainer so he could spend full time recovering and getting ready, not putting on a suit for 8 hours a day and being mentally drained after a long day.
9 Oct 2012, 09:19 am
@Bouts-17: Oh, great that we have your inside knowledge – You play golf with Jaun’s agent? Read the article, he doesnt even have a contract! (Or an offer even).
9 Oct 2012, 09:45 am
Wonder why he has no contract yet ? Normally I would say this is a player just trying to get his Union to sign him but seeing that it is Juan I highly Doubt it. He is about as genuine as they come.
I wish him luck. SA legend !!
9 Oct 2012, 15:14 pm
Ja ou Bouts; typical sneering SA fan. Juan Smith put his loyalty and body on the line time and again for the Boks and Cheetahs. I challenge slim jannie Bouts to last 5 minutes on a Super rugby field. I wish Juan well and a healthy pay check and future. He deserves it way more than trumped up, traitorous little twats like keow.
9 Oct 2012, 16:56 pm
Who would want to play for the Boks under this git?
10 Oct 2012, 02:10 am
I don’t see any big team offering him guaranteed pay. He’ll be offered a base salary & the rest will be determined by actual time on the field
10 Oct 2012, 09:10 am
Do you guys really think he is surplus to requirements ? ??? JS is Real Steel – most kiwis have alot of respect for this guy and his leadership could be vital to the Boks ?
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