A story in The Times today put a bee in my bonnet.
According to the paper, South African-owned Saracens are lining up a match with World Champions South Africa to take place at Stamford Bridge or Craven Cottage, having ditched their base in Watford.
After dumping 15 (fifteen) players this summer the club’s coach Brenden Venter (a South African wouldn’t you know?) claimed the club’s ‘soul’ would remain English.
But in addition to the clubs other South African players - Justin Melck, Neil de Kock and Glen Jackson – the club’s recruitment has been as follows:
Ernst Joubert, South Africa
Frik Venter, South Africa
Schalk Brits, South Africa
Derick Hougaard, South Africa
Mouritz Botha, South Africa
Ethienne Reynecke, South Africa
Plus three Englishmen, a Welshman, a Fijian and an Italian.
Before I’m accused of bias I should say that Saracens do have some talented young English players in Noah Cato, Adam Powell and Alex Goode. And Brad Barritt, another South African recruited from The Natal Sharks, is qualified for England and has now represented the England Saxons.
The future of English rugby should be bright. After all, England’s U20s reached the IRB Junior Rugby World Cup final demolishing South Africa 40-21 en route, having also defeated them in 2008.
So, let’s hope Saracens give their young English players enough game time. If not, I sincerely hope they are relegated as soon as possible.
