Honniball's future at Bristol in doubt
July 14, 2000

It has appeared this week that Henry Honiball's future at Allied Dunbar Premiership club Bristol may be in doubt.

The former Springbok flyhalf who retired from international rugby at the end of last year's World Cup in Wales could be on the verge of leaving the West Country club only half way through his contract.

On Tuesday night he was reluctant to confirm talk that new coach Dean Ryan did not want to retain him for the new season that starts in August.

"Let's just say there are developments and we are talking about the situation," said Honiball from England.

"Nothing is official but I should know where I stand by the end of the month," he added.

"The new coaching staff are still preparing themselves for the new season so I would rather wait until they have finalised everything."

But Honniball insisted he would never return to South Africa. "Whatever happens what I do know is that I will never play for South Africa again - my innings is over," he said.

Ryan took over from former Australian national coach Bob Dwyer who will coach the New South Wales Waratahs next year.

Ryan still played for Bristol last year and doubles as a lock and No 8. He is expected to fill the role of player/coach at the club in the new season.

Honiball missed some games during the past season because of a niggling neck injury and although he said it was fine now, "a knock to the neck can put me out of action again".

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