Kockott keen to leave Castres

Kockott keen to leave Castres

9 Jan 2013

Castres scrumhalf Rory Kockott wants to join Racing Metro at the end of the season to improve his chances of playing Test rugby.

Kockott, who is the second top point-scorer in the Top 14 behind Jonny Wilkinson with 207 in 13 matches, insists Michel Dhomps gave him a verbal agreement for his departure, something the Castres president denies.

‘I have a decision which is very personal and family-based to take at season’s end. I have opportunities and I must think about them. It’s a very important moment in my young career,’ the 26-year-old said.

‘I’m still very young and I’d like to have an international career, here [in France] or in my country. I have three or four years left to achieve that. It’s a thought I’ve been having for at least four months. I have to take the best decision for my future.’

Kockott joined Castres 18 months ago from the Sharks and would become eligible to play for France after serving the three-year residency period.


15 Comments

  • 1.Vundu: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 07:26 am

    Midget dragon

  • 2.grant10: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 07:27 am

    come on Stormers….make a plan…this oke can play man!

  • 3.Vundu: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 07:27 am

    But seriously, only 18 months ago? Feels like he left us years ago, another forgotten ego. How has his discipline been? Maybe the Frenchdon’t test for roids.

  • 4.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 08:10 am

    he should chase money because he wont make either the boks or c_ocks sides.
    the frogs are paying in euros so that settles it i guess.

  • 5.John Galt: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 08:19 am

    ISnt he from the EC? Selborne I think.

    Kings would do well to sign him. Although I think they have announced their squad already.

  • 6.guangzhoupoes: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 09:24 am

    Its a joke how guys who learnt their rugby in SA can qualify to play for other countries. If you have represented SA at under 18 or over levels including 7s then that player should be ineligible for any other country. All other players over the age of 17 who move to another country should serve a 8 year residency before becoming eligible to play for that country.

    Exceptions can be made for tier 3 nations players to play for tier 2 or 1 nations. Lets face it there could be another Dan Carter in Mongolia who should be allowed to play for a tier 1/2 nation as per current IRB regulations, he should also be allowed to choose to go back to his country of birth if such a country develops into a tier 1/2
    nation.

  • 7.Kid_Senekal: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 09:32 am

    Underrated player – his goalkicking ability alone sets him apart from the majority of SA scrumhalves. Not a bad tactical kicker either from what I’ve seen in the Top 14.

    If I were him I’d joing Racing, wait out the 18 months and see if I can’t crack the French side. Coming back to SA will mean a massive pay cut I’m sure.

  • 8.jbell: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 09:57 am

    He left from the Lions, not the Sharks.

  • 9.THE MAULER: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 10:09 am

    @ 6 why? If you are not being considered for the country of your birth why can’t you play for another? Everyone wants to play test rugby… And there can only be so many players chosen for a rest team… If France thinks he is good enough let him… Why should a player not be eligible because he played U20 for another country?

  • 10.sparticus: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 10:36 am

    Dam , is Kockett only 26 ? Thought he was in the 30′s already , seemed like he played forever.

  • 11.bokfan1: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 17:30 pm

    @grant10-2: I agree he can play and I always admired him for the Sharks, but he seems to have the Luke Watson style – great player but p1sses team mates and coaches off. This could just be the wrong impression…

    Also I am so skeptical now about SA players looking good up North. They ALL look good up North! People were calling for Mujati toi be a Bok again, for Ruan to come back etc etc etc.
    When most of them get back, they look just as ordinary as we remembered…

  • 12.willievz: Reply to this comment
    9 Jan 2013, 17:35 pm

    Should have been a Bok long time ago.

  • 13.greatest13gerber: Reply to this comment
    10 Jan 2013, 05:59 am

    arrogance

    saffas playing for France

    joke

  • 14.guangzhoupoes: Reply to this comment
    10 Jan 2013, 10:04 am

    If you played under 18 for SA then you are clearly a product of the SA rugby system and should not be permitted to play for another country. What message does it send to English developing talent when brad barrit is in the side. Nick Easter’s recent comments are spot on. IRB needs to stamp this out

  • 15.willievz: Reply to this comment
    10 Jan 2013, 11:46 am

    @guangzhoupoes-14: Show them the money and I am sure they will stay.

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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