Springbok loose-forward Bob Skinstad will play for the Cats in the 2003 Vodacom Rugby Super 12 season.
Skinstad, who has represented the Cape-based Stormers since the inception of regionalism in 1998, requested the transfer to the Cats.
”Outside of test rugby, all I have known since 1996 is Western Province and the Stormers. I feel the time is right for a new challenge and a change of environment, both from a rugby and business perspective,” said Skinstad.
”The Cape fans will always be special to me and obviously the memories of the last six years will stay with me forever. Many people have influenced my career in the Cape and I want to thank them all.
Skinstad added that he was eager to work with Cats coach and Springbok assistant Tim Lane.
”I enjoy his coaching style, his philosophy on the game and his approach. He has been very good for South African rugby and 2003 is shaping up as a massive year for South Africa, both at Super 12 and
international level.”
SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd managing director Rian Oberholzer commended the mature attitude of the Stormers franchise in granting Skinstad a transfer to Johannesburg.
”I think it is proof that the regions are starting to put South African rugby first. Skinstad’s transfer is an example of a player’s interests being put first and because of this the national cause can only be a winner,” said Oberholzer.
”The Stormers, in allowing Bob to leave, have shown an
understanding for his situation.” Stormers chief executive Rob Wagner said the region would not stand in the way of a player who felt he needed to move to further enhance his career.
”Bob has explained his reasons for wanting a change of
environment. He is viewing the move both from a rugby point of view as well as a business opportunity.
”There would have been no benefit to either Bob or the Stormers if we forced him to stay at a time when he felt it was right to move on.
Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli said he respected the fact that Skinstad felt it necessary to move to again challenge for a place in the Springbok squad.
”It will be something new and a change is never a bad thing. The key factor is that he completes his rehabilitation, makes a full recovery from the shoulder injury and makes the necessary impact in
next year’s Super 12,” said Straeuli.
Lane, currently on tour in Scotland with the Boks, said he was delighted that Skinstad would be available for the Cats in 2003.
”He is a world class player and he adds to our depth at loose-forward. We are fortunate to have players like Rassie Erasmus, Joe van Niekerk, Hendro Scholtz and Roland Bernard available to the Cats region. Getting another player with the quality of Bob Skinstad will make us very dangerous in that department next season,” said Lane. – Sapa