A total of eight new backline players will be making Tafel Lager Park their new home, of which three will be arriving in April.

The former Lions speedster, Antony Volmink, has one of the most notable names among the new faces at the Peacock Blues. In addition, the coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has done a lot of shopping in the Cape, and he welcomes Eduan Keyer, Grant Hermanus (both Western Province) Edwin Sass (Boland) and Kenua Vers (Eastern Province Kings) to his squad.

A further two Maties players, Michel Hazner (Western Province) and Chris Smit (Maties) will be linking up in April. They will be joined by Tinus de Beer of the Bulls.

Smit, who is an inside centre, played alongside Chris Smith (flyhalf) for Maties last year. Janse van Rensburg contracted Smith to Pumas after the Varsity Cup, while he was still the coach in Nelspruit.

Among the forwards, Janse van Rensburg, has lured Victor Sekekete to Kimberley from the Bulls, and Cody Basson from the Griffons. Basson, who plays loose-forward is the brother of the former Springbok winger, Bjorn Basson.

Johan Momsen from the Maties and Khwezi Mona (Southern Kings) will join the Griquas in April.

Janse van Rensburg says that he is happy with the depth he has been able to add to his squad thus far.

“A warm welcome to the players who have already arrived with us.

“We trust they will enjoy their stay here and add the required value in creating competition for positions within our squad.

“We also look forward to welcoming the players who are busy finishing off their commitments with their current teams. A lot of work lay ahead for us all, but we are making steady progress.

“We are on the right path and must just remain focused on process.”

@MorganPiek OFM Sport