Latest news with #Stormers
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
CONFIRMED: Springbok star heads overseas
The overseas departure of Stormers and Springbok star Manie Libbok has become a completely 'open secret', but it has now been officially confirmed that he will be joining the Hanazono Liners in Osaka, Japan, on a permanent deal. Libbok will effectively replace Wallabies legend Quade Cooper, who left the club at the end of this past season. The Stormers have granted Libbok an early from his contract, which was set to run until 2027. Recently, Stormers coach John Dobson said that the big money offer from Japan, – coupled with the decision to install Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as the team's first-choice flyhalf – all added to the acceptance that Libbok should be allowed to pursue his move abroad. 'Manie is a big loss,' Dobson said. 'We had a fantastic journey with him, and we would've liked to keep him. However, there are two aspects to consider. Sacha, and with good reason, is absolutely adamant about playing flyhalf and he is entitled to it. 'Sacha also doesn't want to be a guy who comes off the bench as a fullback. It was going to be tricky. At the same time, Manie received an offer from Japan that would be described as eye-watering. It would change his whole family. 'We were entitled to do so (hold him to his Stormers contract). But we weren't going to say it and tell him to forego the money, and that he will no longer possibly be our first-choice flyhalf. 'Manie is going with our blessing, thanks, and an open invitation to return which we had a fantastic discussion around it. When he comes back, he will return here. We could not deprive him of this opportunity.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Western Province set to meet plenty of familiar faces in Bulls Currie Cup opener
Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni is ready to fulfill a senior role for the team in the Currie Cup. Image: BackpagePix The Currie Cup is set to kick-off on a high note with a North-South derby between Western Province and the Bulls as South Africa's premier domestic competition starts this weekend. While both sides will have a keen focus on developing new players with a view on the United Rugby Championship (URC), there could be some added spice to this contest in the DHL Stadium - not that it ever needs any. A couple of former Stormers players have been included in the Bulls' squad for the campaign, and someone who probably did not reach his potential in the Cape due to some niggling injuries and minimal game time, Nama Xaba, is set to captain the Loftus Versfeld troop. Feel it, the Carling Currie Cup is here. Be there when we start our campaign with a North-South clash on home turf this Saturday. 🎟️ Get your tickets here #wpjoulekkerding — WP RUGBY (@WP_RUGBY) July 21, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ URC winning lock Marvin Orie, loose forward Junior Pokomela, and prop Lizo Gqoboka are the other Stormers players in the Bulls' jersey, alongside Dylan de Leeuw and Chris Smit, who also played in the Cape for a bit. So, there will be a familiar feel to this game. According to veteran Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni, they will be prepared for what comes their way this weekend. 'There is definitely a lot of experience on their side with guys who have been here, but we have plans for that," Ntubeni said on Monday. 'It is not a big thing, though. We will just focus on executing our plans on the day. They won't also look too much into what we have done in the past, I think. Marvin does bring a lot of experience, but Gary (Porter) has done well for us. It won't be too much of an issue. 'We've put a lot of effort into this campaign and every tournament we enter, we want to win.' With the junior squads that the Bulls and Sharks announced, and the youngsters WP are set to let loose, it's clear to see that certain teams will be using the Currie Cup as a developmental tournament. ⚪ HOLLYWOODBETS SHARKS XV SQUAD LIST ⚫ — The Sharks (@SharksRugby) July 21, 2025 While it will cause some debate, the South African sides playing in the URC and European tournaments will have to expand their player base to be competitive in both international club tournaments. The Currie Cup provides that opportunity ahead of the start of the URC in October. Ntubeni is eager to take some young players under his wing and show them the ropes. 'The Currie Cup did take a bit of a dip, but it is the oldest tournament and there is a lot of history. We went to Newlands just so that the guys could absorb that they are playing for WP. With the rich history, they should take it seriously. 'For plenty of them, it is a dream come true. We are encouraging them to work hard and make memories.'
The South African
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Green and gold gees: Springbok newbie weeps during national anthem
It was an emotional affair for Springbok newbie Neethling Fouche, who wept during the performance of the South African national anthem during his debut test match for the team. The Stormers star was selected for the squad that played Georgia in Mbombela on Saturday, 19 July. South Africa won 55-10 against the Eurasian country. As they do every match, the Springboks were joined by thousands of rugby fans in the stadium and across South Africa as they belted out the national anthem. Joining them for the first time in a test match were three newbies, Boan Venter, Neethling Fouche, and Marnus van der Merwe. Nkosi Sikel iAfrika was sung by Corlea Botha, who wore a stunning emerald green gown to match the national team. During her performance, tears streamed down Fouche's face. Take a look… Earlier this year, Neethling Fouche was one of several rugby stars called up to the Springbok alignment camp. 'It's the most incredible privilege'. Ahead of his Springbok test debut in Mbombela, Fouche shared a touching message on his Instagram Story. It read: 'Jesus, all that I can say is thank you. You never stopped writing my story. All honour to you'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cobus Wiese's rocky journey: From broken neck to finally making his Bok debut
Springbok debutant Cobus Wiese masters a lineout and hands the ball to replacment scrumhalf Cobus Reinach during Saturday's second Test against Italy in Gqeberha. Image: BackpagePix Cobus Wiese is focused on keeping his head down and working harder to get one more Springbok cap after making his debut this past weekend against Italy in Gqeberha. The utility forward, along with his brother Jasper, became the 37th pair of brothers to play for the world champions. However, Jasper copped a silly red card for a headbutt in the 21st minute of the 45-0 victory, which prevented the two from playing together. Cobus (28) felt for his brother and supported him afterwards, but after getting that first cap after a rocky journey to the top, the Bulls forward wants to keep grinding to stay in contention for South Africa. He, alongside Sharks centre Ethan Hooker and Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, made their debut off the bench in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Wiese's debut was seven years in the making. He was a promising young player at the Stormers and received his first Springbok invite in 2018. After breaking his neck at the Stormers and suffering a host of other injuries since then, it prevented him from cracking the nod. Upon returning to South Africa after four years in England, the enforcer found that rhythm again and has been a standout player in Pretoria this past season. 'The hard work starts now to stay here and solidify a place. I always said I wanted one Test and after that one, I want one more,' Wiese said. A special night for Vincent Tshituka, Cobus Wiese, Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Willie le Roux after the Springboks beat Italy 👏🇿🇦#SSRugby — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 13, 2025 'I will stick to that principle of working hard every week, like it's my first cap to get one more. I don't want to say it's more special, because it is a massive privilege. Having had that many operations and long-term injuries, the biggest one was probably when I was in the squad in 2018, and then breaking my neck. 'To seven years later, and getting my cap. It is amazing. It does make it worthwhile. It is that cliché of don't give up and keep on going. But it is cliché because it is true. It would've been a massive honour back then, it is massive now too.' Wiese says he probably would've played a couple of minutes next to his brother when he came off the bench in the second half. They would've followed in the footsteps of Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, who last played as brothers together for the world champions against Wales. While he supported Jasper right after the game, he said his brother would 'hear it' from Monday on. Hailing from Upington in the Northern Cape, the Eastern Cape has a special connection with Wiese. His in-laws are from Patensie, a small town in the coastal province, and it was an honour for him to make his debut there. 'This was probably the loudest I've heard a crowd on the bench. In the first 10 minutes, we had that Mexican wave going. I could not hear the guy next to me. It's unbelievably special. They love their rugby, and they love coach Rassie (Erasmus). 'The energy they gave us was unbelievable.' The Jasper Wiese headbutt incident. Some say it was soft and should have only been a yellow. It's not about the result or even intent ... it's about the action. Headbutt is a headbutt is a headbutt basically. Red card all day long unfortunately for Jasper. — Front Row Rugby (@FrontRowRugbyXV) July 13, 2025 Jasper, meanwhile, will have a full disciplinary hearing and should hear his fate on Tuesday after the red card he received on Saturday. It is expected that he would receive a lengthy ban after recently returning to action following a layoff due to a red card. He could miss the entire Rugby Championship which means the Springboks will have to make plans with another eighth man. The Boks pledged all their support to the World Cup winning bruiser, but he will be lucky if he escapes with a light punishment.
The South African
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
The special meaning behind Manie Libbok's wristband message
Manie Libbook has remained firm in his faith after sharing another motivational message on his wristband over the weekend. This comes as the Springbok flyhalf admitted he had worked on his penalty kicking amid public backlash. According to reports, Libboks is set to move to Japan after cutting short his contract with the Stormers. As he has previously done, Manie Libbok shared a special message for himself and the public on his wristband during the Springboks' game against Italy in Gqeberha over the weekend. The mantra simply read: 'God did'. The Bok fly-half was a crucial element in South Africa's second consecutive win over the European country. But while he is now receiving high praise, just a few months ago, it was a different story. Last September, Manie Libbok was mercilessly trolled on social media after he missed a penalty kick against Argentina that would have likely secured victory for South Africa. After bouncing back, Manie posted a message of resilience on his social media. Sharing pics of behind-the-scenes action, he shared: 'You know that God did, he never gon' fail on us.' This week, Manie Libbok admitted that he had worked hard at improving his penalty-kicking performances after that infamous stint in Santiago last year. He shared: 'I didn't have a good record in kicking for poles…I identified the situation, and it freed me up to focus more on my open play and executing our plans, driving the team around the park, and putting us in a position to score tries. He continued: 'It's one area of my game I've worked really hard on to get right in the past few months…My focus now is just to improve on that performance and do my best to get it right'. Manie Libbok is also set for a new chapter in Japan, reportedly with the Hanazono Liners. Last month, Stormers boss John Dobson revealed Manie had cut short his contract to play abroad. Holding no grudges, he said in a press conference: 'We've had a fantastic journey with him. He's a massive loss. Manie got an eye-watering offer from Japan, and it's a life-changing amount of money. It'll change his whole family's life. He added: 'Manie goes with blessing… and an open invitation to come back.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
