Another week passes and still no confirmation of Ulster Rugby’s “big name” signings. BJ Botha’s dog must be out of quarantine now and roaming the streets but still the IRFU are stalling on completing the paperwork.
The SA squad assemble today (1st June) in Bloemfontein ahead of the tests against Wales (twice) and Italy and with South Africa involved in the Tri Nations from 7th June until 30th August, it looks as though any announcement will be made in the absence of the South African prop.
What we want to know is who is going to be looking after his dog while BJ is away in New Zealand and Australia! Maybe Clinton Schifcofske, who is determined to make his time in Ulster his “last big pay day” could be persuaded to take on dog walking duties.
A few other names (or not as the case may be) have bubbled to the surface concerning the “big name” back that Ulster are chasing. An unnamed flying Fijian has not been named over on the UAFC board and it’s difficult to find a young Fijian winger that isn’t already signed up to another club.
Another name mentioned, and instantly ignored, over on UAFC is Hosea Gear. A friend and teammate of Michael Pehi at Hutt Old Boys – Marist rugby club, Gear would certainly be aware of Ulster Rugby both through Pehi and Steinmetz. Described as a fast and powerful wing, who has been blighted by hamstring injuries in the past this 24 year old New Zealand Maori veteran sounds like an exact replacement for Tommy!!
Who knows what next week will bring?
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