Union dismisses talk of Schalk’s departure

Fears that one of the gems of South African rugby, flank Schalk Burger, will be lost to European clubs after the Rugby World Cup later this year were allayed yesterday, with the Western Province Rugby Union confirming that the player is tied into a contract until 2009, writes Zeena Isaacs for Business Day.

However, there is still uncertainty surrounding veteran Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery, and whether he will accept or reject the lucrative offers he is being made, since the player’s contract with the Sharks ends in December.

Burger has reportedly been offered a lucrative R7m deal from French club Toulouse and is also on Harlequins’ shopping list.

But Rob Wagner, MD of the Western Province Rugby Union commercial arm, was adamant yesterday that Burger would stay in SA, saying he had to honour his contract with the union.

“Schalk is contracted to us until the end of 2009 and there is no escape clause in his contract,” said Wagner. “His contract with us is watertight and he knows that. The reports about these players being offered contracts is nothing new because this happens every year. But let’s put it this way, we do not have any concerns about losing our top players.”

Judging by Wagner’s comments, it is clear that players like Springbok centre Jean de Villiers are tied up in contracts.

Another player who has been offered a contract is former Springbok lock Gerrie Britz, by French club Perpignan .

But Wagner denied reports yesterday that the player had signed a contract with the club and said he had in fact agreed to stay at the union. “The reports that Gerrie has signed with Perpignan are not true,” said Wagner. “He has agreed to an extension on his contract for another season.”

The Sharks were less certain about Montgomery’s future and could not confirm or deny reports yesterday that he had signed a contract with Perpignan.

Brian van Zyl, the CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union’s commercial arm, admitted yesterday that he was not aware of Montgomery signing a contract with the club.

“He is contracted to the Sharks until December 31,” said Van Zyl. “I am unaware of him signing with Perpignan.

“But the only person who can answer that question would be Percy himself.”

Montgomery , who is in the Bo k camp, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Other top national players who are believed to have been offered contracts overseas are Springbok and Sharks hooker and captain John Smit, who is being headhunted by Clermont, and flyhalf Butch James (Bath) and lock Victor Matfield (Toulon).