Western Province have released Joe Pietersen to play for French club Bayonne.
There have been some not-so-subtle whisperings throughout the corridors of WP Rugby about the fullback’s pending move to France, and when coach Allister Coetzee was asked the question two weeks ago, he said Pietersen would see out his contract which expires at the end of 2010.
However, the latest developments see Province releasing Pietersen to play for Bayonne provided that on his return to South Africa, he considers a move back to WP as his first option. Pietersen has signed a two-year contract with the lowly French club, effectively ruling himself out of World Cup contention.
With Frans Steyn back in the Bok picture and Zane Kirchner another solid fullback option, it’s unsurprising that Pietersen doesn’t rate his Bok prospects. Conrad Jantjes will also make his long-awaited return from a broken leg in the Currie Cup, and if he regains his form, he should advance to the national squad.
Pietersen was a key member of the Stormers’ team before he got injured, but Jantjes should also reclaim the Stormers’ No 15 position in the 2011 Super 15. The Stormers also have Gio Aplon, who will make his Bok debut on Saturday, as a fullback option.
