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Gustard's lost holiday time pays off as Harlequins sign Travis Ismaiel

Harlequins have picked up Travis Ismaiel of the Bulls (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Harlequins have signed Travis Ismaiel, the 27-year-old Bulls winger who made his Super Rugby debut in 2015 against the Sharks and has gone on to earn 39 caps in that tournament, scoring 50 points.

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He also scored on his international debut for South Africa in the 2018 friendly against Wales in Washington. Prior to earning full international honours, he represented South Africa A in their two-match series against England Saxons in 2016.

Harlequins boss Paul Gustard said: “I have been enquiring about Travis for a couple of months now since we lost Nathan (Earle) to a nasty injury against Saints last season.

“I was over on holiday in South Africa in the summer with my family and I took the opportunity over a couple of days to meet his agent, speak to Travis and meet some players who knew him and all the feedback I received was that he is such an impressive individual with huge coachability and some real X-factor.

“To be capped in such a competitive position in South Africa allied to boasting a very impressive try-scoring record in Super Rugby of almost one in two is great news for the club. What isn’t great news for me was I had to buy my wife a new handbag to compensate for lost holiday time!

“I have no doubt he will be a huge presence on the pitch for us with his excellent aerial skills. He is fast and is a big man who enjoys running hard.

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“We will look for him to work hard to get his hands on the ball as much as we can because, like all our wings, they have magic in them, and we want them to show the league why they are so special.

“Initially he comes as injury dispensation for Nathan, but we see real potential for growth in Travis, so we have signed him on a longer contract to maximise his development. On behalf of the club, we welcome Travis, his wife Zaylin and his children Connor and Kiara.”

Ismaiel added: “I’m very excited to be joining a club like Quins with such a rich rugby history.

“There is a clear excitement when speaking to Paul with regards to the culture they have at the club and what they are looking to achieve over the next couple of seasons.

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“I’m looking forward to getting to work with the boys and can’t wait to contribute to the team in any way possible. My family and I can’t wait for this new chapter in our lives and we are looking forward to experiencing a new culture and way of living. I’m sure Quins is the right place to do that.”

WATCH: Episode three of RugbyPass Rugby Explorer series sees Jim Hamilton take a trek through South African rugby

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Hellhound 13 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 54 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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