Steelers sign Bekker
15 Mar 2013
Andries Bekker is the latest Springbok to invest his future in Japanese club rugby.
The Stormers and Western Province lock, who fitness permitting, will become the first Stormer to play 100 Super Rugby matches, confirmed a departure to Japan at the completion of this season’s Super Rugby.
He won’t be available for the Springboks, as is the case with Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie and Danie Rossouw.
Bekker, in an official WP statement, said: ‘I’m particularly excited about joining up with my fellow South Africans at Kobelco Steelers – players like Peter Grant and Jaque Fourie have had nothing but great things to say about the club
‘It was a tough decision for me to make. I’ve spent my entire professional rugby career in Cape Town, but, at this stage of my life, I felt it would be best to further my career abroad and to embark on a new adventure – both as a person and a rugby player.
‘That said, we’re just three games into the 2013 Super Rugby season… it’s still a long season ahead of us and I’d love nothing more than to end my DHL Stormers career on a high.’
Bekker, South Africa’s Super Rugby Player of the Year in 2010, has also made an additional 38 appearances for Western Province, since 2004 – scoring 12 tries for DHL WP and a further 12 for the DHL Stormers.
He has played 29 Tests for the Boks.
23 Comments
15 Mar 2013, 18:16 pm
Steelers sign Bekker http://t.co/gEHSTTCYfL via @sharethis He leaves end of Sup Rugby season and is not available 4 Bok selection
15 Mar 2013, 18:38 pm
Godzilla!RT @mark_keohane Steelers sign Bekker http://t.co/4PFu85BZQe via @sharethis He leaves end of Sup Rugby not available Bok selection
15 Mar 2013, 18:41 pm
More game time on the wing sealed the deal.
Still Matfield’s little ******.
15 Mar 2013, 18:44 pm
He gets off the plane and you’ll have thousands of Japanese running around in a panic screaming ” Godzilla” “Godzilla”
15 Mar 2013, 18:47 pm
the number of players leaving is becoming a flood. Time to join the northern hemisphere and ensure the best compensation for SA players.
15 Mar 2013, 18:48 pm
He never fulfilled his potential in a Bok jersey. I thought that would have motivated him more , but clearly not. Respect for never playing for another jersey in SA.
15 Mar 2013, 18:51 pm
Really hope Etzebeth will now be developed as a 5 lock , there is no other quality option there with Juandre Kruger also hitting the road.
15 Mar 2013, 19:00 pm
I was surprised to read he started playing for Province in 2004 and the Stormers in 2005
3 games more for the Stormers and he will be their first centurion in SR
I almost still see him as a youngster who must still make his mark, but maybe it’s because he only has 29 Bok caps in all these years
I agree with WP Boytjie in post 5, he has never fulfilled his International promise
15 Mar 2013, 19:07 pm
Let’s see how much Peyper pi$s3d off the Chiefs.
15 Mar 2013, 19:08 pm
@Tuna-8: Oops…
15 Mar 2013, 19:09 pm
@nortierd-7: Hi Nortie, yes IMO he should have stayed another season at least. It seems that his injuries are gone for the moment.
I think this move is perhaps more important for him on a personal level – obviously he’ll be earning big bucks as well – but he has been married for a short time (I know it’s 2nd time around).
I know his parents struggled quite a bit (emotionally) with all his off the field “stuff”.
IMO a fit Bekker and Etzebeth could have been a great combination!
15 Mar 2013, 19:14 pm
@CharlesM-10:
Yes Charles
Has he ever given Province a fully fit year?
15 Mar 2013, 19:20 pm
@nortierd-11: Maybe initially but I really can’t remember when that was !
15 Mar 2013, 21:15 pm
We will keep losing top players while our nation is being run into the ground by a corrupt and immoral ANC government. Those who criticize him should look in the mirror and say: “If I was a parent, would I do the same?”
15 Mar 2013, 23:10 pm
He wont be missed he was nothing but a big giraffe and i agree with tuna he was matfields bunny.
15 Mar 2013, 23:23 pm
#14 Jinx2 it will become a flood as the sa players realise the money that can be made overseas.Bekker did the right thing for his career as with his injury problems the game in japan will be easier for him to play in.Look at the highlanders the have got a *** scrumhalf tanaka playing for them which in itself is amazing.
16 Mar 2013, 00:28 am
I look forward to Eldstadt and Etsebeth becoming a settled pair over the next few years. No lack of testosterone there with neither of them minding to hand out a few poesklappe when the occasions requires it.
16 Mar 2013, 01:24 am
@garth-17:
Yes. This is a combination for the Boks as well. Elstadt will come into his own at 4. He will be a legend.
16 Mar 2013, 03:20 am
A loss for the boks, he didnt ever own the nr5 bok jumper and now he jumps ship.
The away game against Argentina was his worst ever, mentally Bekker is soft and his arrogance does not help either.
I think he will be a legend in Japan and wish him well
16 Mar 2013, 11:28 am
I rather enjoy all the comments mentioned above. Especially the one from CharlesM mentioning that his parents are struggling with all his off field ****. Mate, wake the f&%k up. You are pathetic with your views. I am sure you also know then that Andries takes close to 4 injections per week for his team and province and yes, his country. Remenber, he didn’t choose to be a giant that will get injured more than other players.
Good for you Andries and your wife. May you have loads of success in Japan. I will be infront of that TV when you play your 100th match for the Stormers
16 Mar 2013, 13:57 pm
Anything to win a few lineouts again.
16 Mar 2013, 14:24 pm
@brian WP-20: Close to 4? So, is that 3? Or are we talking closer to 2?
17 Mar 2013, 21:27 pm
Would be great to see Etsebeth and Bakkies play a few tests together.
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.