The Blue Bulls, Lions and Western Province are apparently willing to splash the cash to sign Springbok wing Bjorn Basson from Griquas.
SuperSport
Basson, the leading try-scorer in Currie Cup rugby this year, is contracted with Griquas until the end of 2011, but the big unions are eager to get him before then. The Blue Bulls are believed to be leading the chase.
The current financial plight of Griquas, who have a smaller budget than some South African club teams to contract players, has created the climate for such negotiations.
Basson’s agent James Adams confirmed that several unions are “obviously” interested in the flyer.
“But there are no offers on the table,” said Adams.
He said that Basson planned on honouring his contract until the end of 2011 and would like to make a positive contribution to Griquas rugby until then.
It is no surprise that some of the country’s top unions are chasing Basson.
He was a star for the Cheetahs in the Super 14 and earned his Springbok colours against Wales. His 14 tries also make him the leading try-scorer in the Currie Cup.
Friday’s Currie Cup match against the Leopards offers him the chance of taking another step closer to the Currie Cup try-scoring record of 19 held by Carel du Plessis and Colin Lloyd.
It will be a major blow to the Cheetahs’ Super Rugby ambitions if Basson decides to trade Kimberley for Pretoria.
His darting runs and ability to create something out of nothing have made him an important player for Griquas. He has turned a number of games with his try-scoring ability.
Should the Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU) decide to release Basson from his contract, they are likely to receive a big transfer fee.
GWRU chief executive Arni van Rooyen did not want to say much on Thursday about Basson’s possible move.
“We get numerous offers for the players every week. It’s a common thing now that the season is open,” said Van Rooyen.
Basson and Griquas can expect the Cheetahs to try and drive a spanner in the works. They will be looking for approximately 60% of any transfer fee if the negotiations continue and succeed.
The Cheetahs’ Super Rugby franchise apparently pay a portion of Basson’s salary and will be keen to keep him for next year’s extended Super Rugby tournament.
Come on Bulls… sign the man and pay the transfer fee necessary.
Great left wing, and with Hougie moving to scrummie from left wing there is a void there which Moses van der Westhuyzen will NEVER fill!
Can either of Jody or Earle not play on the wing?
Wanted him on the wagon last season already !!!
@ Blouste:
Earle or Jody?
@ Loosehead:
Mapoe 😉
3@ Blouste:
Bulls are a bit thin on wing depth and of course on centre depth after Meisiekind… those are and will be our main stumbling blocks going ahead.
Akona is out with broken leg, Mametsa is getting on a bit and there is a bit of a drought coming from the age groups….
By the way, where is Sampie Mastriet & Clayton Blommetjies… those 2 boykies have got a huge future ahead!
Agree, we need wings asap !!!
Centre I think the guys might still pull through, but we’ll see…
@ grootblousmile:
That’s why you need Earl, he is a utility back, brilliant full back, fantastic at wing, and can even give Morne a rest.
So Cheetahs could accept a offer for Basson for 60% trasfer fee. HORROR 😯 BUT they wont accept a transfer fee for Mapoe 😯 That would be double standards..
Ag, Go the extra mile Sharks and buy Basson too.. hehehehe. Those okes love the warm sea.
Now just joking all you Bulls supporters…hehehehe.
As good as Basson is Sharks have enough wings. LIONS go and buy Basson now…. hehehe
9@ Puma:
Lions are quite sorted at left wing with Killian there….
9@ Puma:
The difference between the Basson and Mapoe issue is clear… nobody wants to skirt the need for a transfer fee in the Basson case and no underhanded dealings… also no court cases… hehehe
@ grootblousmile:11 – 😛
Actually I feel for Mapoe now and really hope it can get sorted out soon. Such a great player and not getting game time.
I also heard a RUMOUR – caps there, cause it could only be a rumour. That Aussie League has also now made him a offer if he does not come right with the Sharks. How true that is I have NO IDEA – caps again, cause I don’t know how true that rumour is. BUT if it is true really hope Sharks will be able to pay a transfer duty and keep Mapoe in SA, as rather have him playing right here in SA than losing this great talented player to overseas. And losing him to rugby union too.
He does not want to go back to Cheetahs so not sure what will happen really.
@ grootblousmile:10 – Need big squads for the S15 next year. So think maybe they could be very interested in Basson.
13@ Puma:
I’m very disapointed in Mapoe… great player, but this issue has soured a lot of feeling for me towards him.
He now comes accross as very mercenary….
14@ Puma:
Bjorn and his agent would place premium value on getting a position where he is a definate starter at left wing and where his Springbok chances are enhanced…. I think the chances for that is greatest at the Bulls.
Of course there is the contract duration and money issues as well to consider and the Bulls have strong principle running that they will only pay so much and no more….
@ grootblousmile:16 – Think Bulls would be very interested in getting Basson. They better move quick cause Basson will be in high demand. From all the big unions. Probably not the Sharks we are covered on the wing. Though with needing bigger squads one never knows.
@ grootblousmile:15 – I would be a mercenary if I was paid what Mapoe was getting paid at the Cheetahs. You know what Bulls offered him and think Sharks offered him the same. That is like a massive difference from earning R13 000 a month to about R100 000 a month. Now hope it can get sorted. Cause no way does Mapoe want to go back to Cheetahs. Hope it does get sorted, cause if that rumour is true that Aussie League is also wanting him. I would rather Sharks get it right by Cheetahs and we keep this great talent in SA and rugby union too.
17@ Puma:
I hear what you say that Mapoe does not WANT to go to the Cheetahs, my problems is this, if we all only do what we WANT to do and not what we are OBLIGED to do, then there will be chaos.
Much like a spoilt and obstinate child, if you ask me.
Contracts and Court (Arbitration) Rulings are there to be honoured……
You’ve been around the block, you know how the world works, we have to do what’s right, not what would be “NICE” and convenient.
I’ve paid my school fees in life, still do occasionally and I’m pretty sure you can say the same. We make decisions which brings in money or costs us money, things that affect our lives for some time… and we are bound by that, no getting around it.
Please do not misunderstand me, I’m not taking you on here, I’m just discussing the Mapoe issue as I view it.
The difference is:
Basson has a contract valid until the end of 2011. Either the provinces approach the Griqua’s with a transfer fee, or they wait until the contract expires.
Mapoe has a contract [which he willingly signed], the Sharks approached him direclty without going through the correct channels. They could easily of approached the Freestate or waited until his contract expired. Point is that they didn’t. The arbitartion was very clear that the Sharks were wrong.
Why would WP want to sign Basson? And how if the man’s contract only expires next year, and with no offers tabled, can the Bulls be deemed to be in the pound (pun intended) seats to sign him? Isn’t this all a bit presumptous?
Forget about Basson, the other provinces can get BOTH Rose’s for the price of 1, lol. This special is NOT to be repeated.
Bid or buy, bid or buy, bid or buy…. :-))
21@ Mr-T:
Hehehe
Some things have a market value and some things simply need to be put on the rubish heap.
20 @ fender:
Exactly…
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