Tykes confirm Springbok signings
August 28, 2001

Leeds Tykes have confirmed the signing of South African Test stars Braam Van Straaten and Cobus Visagie on two-year contracts, pending their expected release from the South African Rugby Football Union.

Fly-half Van Straaten, 29, will arrive at Headingley at the beginning of November after completing the Currie Cup series with Western Province. He is contracted to SARFU until the end of the year.

Tight-head prop Visagie, 27, who was not offered a central contract from SARFU at the beginning of the season but has featured in 22 Tests for the Springboks, is due to arrive in Leeds next Monday but his move is also subject to clearance from his international union.

The South African Rugby Union, who insist he is on contract with Western Province to 2003 and commited verbally to SARFU until the end of the year, may decide that his international future will be better served by remaining in South Africa.

Tykes director of rugby Phil Davies said: "We are very hopeful he will be given his release. The South African officials know we are committed to allowing him to continue his international career.

"He came over to Leeds in the summer and liked what he saw. We've not had a tight head prop who can dominate the opposition and he will be a tremendous signing.

"That's also true of Van Straaten. I was very keen to have more than one recognised kickers. Richard Le Bas has done a great job for us but Braam is recognised as one of the best in the world.

"These signings will raise a few eyebrows in the game. We've worked all summer to try and find the right players and these two really impressed me above everybody else."

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