Hard-running Blue Bulls prop Jaco Engels will join the Kings at the end of the current Currie Cup season.
The 30-year-old front ranker will link up with the Eastern Cape franchise for the next two years and will add considerable bulk to their Currie Cup challenge next year and Super 15 season in 2012.
Engels, who played for the Blue Bulls more than 50 times in Currie Cup and 40 times for the Bulls in Super Rugby, has made a name for himself with his ball carrying abilities, as shown against the Sharks recently, good work-rate and excellent scrumming technique.
The Namibian-born player, who is yet to make a call on his availability for Namibia’s 2011 World Cup squad, played for the Southern Kings against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 and had no hesitation in joining up with coach Alan Solomons.
“They are trying to build something special and I would like to contribute,” Engels said of his decision.
“I will always treasure my time with the Bulls, but I respect their structures and realise it is time for the next generation to come through the ranks. I still have something to offer though and will be proud to add value to the Kings.”
Johan van Greune, who represents Engels, confirmed a two-year deal.
“Jaco has signed till the end of October 2012 with an option to renew. He has a proud association with the Bulls, but his ambition to start matches and play more regularly has made the decision an easy one,” Van Greune said.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke wished Engels well.
“He will remain an important member of our squad for the rest of the season and I don’t have any doubt about his commitment to our cause,” he said.
“We understand why he is moving on and wish him well. We will thank him for his services to us in due time and in an appropriate manner.”
Loading ...
Sorry but I think Jaco Engels make a big mistake to leave a Bull team for a team like the Southern Kings . He will soon recognise for himself that it was a mistake . The most players come to the Southern Kings for the last year or so of playing rugby and then they on pension . Why contract them and not more younger and better players . I stay in Uitenhage and not interest in EP rugby or club rugby . One team and one team only , the Blue Bulls for eva . Another point for you is that those who run EP rugby is not the best ones to do so .
Yes Leon I agree with you 100%, not only did Jaco Engels make a mistake but also the Blue Bulls, some of the current guys the have packing down in the front row is still to young and they get scrumed into the ground every weekend. The Bulls will mis him and they will only realize it to late.
The Southern Kings will never play in the Super Rugby, they make all these guys promises of playing in the Super 15 in 2012 but with the people currently running EP rugby they will go bankrupt before the 2012 season starts.
My Bloed is Blou!!
I did say that my interest is not in EP rugby but if they can win the play offs to go and play against the big guns , they will have my support against the others except the Bulls . After Friday nights final , things look different . Well done you chaps , just go and make sure that you bring good rugby back to PE . Good luck to all of you . Super rugby is one step to high for them and first they must end under the first 5 , its not fair if Cheeky Watson get some strings pulled to let EP play in super rugby . It will be good for our region but not now . Lets first see if they can win the Pumas or Leopards to play against the grown ups . This league is not for children .
I would like to find out , against who is the Kings going to play to go to the big league , can someone give me the information please . Will it be a home and away or just one game , the reason is that we would like and support the Kings if they play home and if someone can sponsor me with a Kings jersey , it will be fantastic . I will like to go and watch them if they play home . This will be the first time in the new stadium for me , so people out there make it happen for me . Go KIngs Go bring back good rugby to our region , we deserve that .
Yes the true test will come this weekend for the Kings this Friday, if they can get past the Pumas they will have my respect, but I don’t they have the fire power! The Pumas have been playing in the Premier section for a while now and they have a few good quality players and I think this is one step big for the Kings. The EP might have a chance against the Leopards but we will have to wait and see!!
Who will you guy support in the Currie Cup Final between the Sharks and WP??
So far so good , the chaps did well to draw with the Pumas . Just hope they can pull of a win in PE , so that we can have some good rugby back in Eastern Province . We miss our first class rugby down here , Cheeky must have patience with the team and must not push to quickly to go and play super rugby . They still need about 2 more seasons in the big league , they not ready for 2012 yet .