Wasps buzz about Willie le Roux

18 May 2016 - 09:59 By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

If Wasps director of rugby Dai Young has his way, Sharks fullback Willie le Roux, 26, could find himself plying his trade with the Coventry Premiership club next season. The Daily Mail, The Times and Sky Sports reported the fullback has been earmarked as a possible replacement for former All Blacks back Charles Piutau, who has joined Irish club Ulster on a one-year deal.Wasps have already snapped up Australian star Kurtley Beale from the Waratahs and Danny Cipriani from the Sale Sharks.The loosening of English club rugby's stringent salary cap last year has allowed clubs to flex their financial muscle.Le Roux joined the Sharks for the 2016 Super rugby season from the Cheetahs last year and also plays for Canon Eagles in Japan.Le Roux's Sharks contract expires at the end of the current Super rugby tournament and he also has a year to go on his Canon Eagles deal.Le Roux's agent, Eduard Kelder, said Wasps had expressed interest, but nothing concrete had been agreed to."It's all just rumours but the club is in the market for a replacement for Charles Piutau because he is world class and so is Willie."Nothing has been decided but the club has inquired about his availability."Sharks spokesman Novashni Chetty said they were not aware of Wasps' advances for Le Roux.Should the 34-cap Springbok fullback leave the Sharks, he will be the third to do so this season.JP Pietersen has been snapped up by English giants Leicester Tigers.Marcell Coetzee may be nursing a knee injury but the next time he dons a rugby jersey it will be for Ulster, where he will joining Springbok teammate Ruan Pienaar...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.