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Van Wyk finds a new club 97 days after quitting Leicester early

(Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

South African Kobus van Wyk has found a new club 97 days after quitting eventual Gallagher Premiership title winners Leicester. It was March 31 when it was announced that the 30-year-old winger, who can also play midfield, had left Welford Road with immediate effect despite the English season still having a number of months left to run. 

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It was a curious parting of the ways given that Leicester had so much to play for in a campaign where they suffered numerous injuries before getting ultimately crowned Premiership champions with their dramatic June 18 Twickenham final win over Saracens.

No reason was specified at the time as to why an early release had been agreed between van Wyk and Leicester, but the South African has now resurfaced at Zebre Parma, the Italian URC club.

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“I’m looking forward to starting next season,” he said after the Parma-based franchise added him to a list of signings that includes Lorenzo Pani, Simone Gesi, Damiano Mazza, Ratko Jelic and ex-Bristol out-half Tiff Eden.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the Zebra family, wearing the club jersey, putting myself to the test in this new adventure and contributing to the growth of the team.”  

A Leicester statement issued when van Wyk left them 14 weeks ago read: “Leicester have agreed to terms with Kobus van Wyk, allowing the outside-back an early release from his contract with the club. The 30-year-old has made 18 appearances for the club since his debut in October 2020.

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“Prior to joining Tigers, van Wyk played for New Zealand’s Hurricanes and had spells with the Stormers and Sharks in South Africa, as well as a short stint with French club Bordeaux-Begles. Kobus van Wyk’s release is effective immediately.”

Leicester boss Steve Borthwick added at the time: “I want to thank Kobus for his contribution to our club during his time in Leicester. He joined us at the start of this journey we are on and has played a part in building the foundations for what is to come at Tigers. I wish him and his family all the best for the next chapter.”

The South African made just a single Premiership appearance last season – versus Saracens in October – but played three times in the Premiership Cup, most recently against Newcastle on March 18 not long before his departure from Leicester.

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C
CO 12 minutes ago
Forget Ireland, the All Blacks face the real alpha of Europe next

I cannot believe that you don't think the French rugby team coach and captain are not discussing putting Jalibert on the bench in favour of Duponts club teammate that doesn't even play at 10.


This is a terrible, massive insult to a 10 and I'm sure Dupont would also be very enraged if benched for a player that doesn't even play halfback.


A good captain would've insisted to the coach that it was an idea of madness and either select Jalibert or replace him with another 10 if you want him to be reserve.


Jalibert may not be the world's finest tacklers but that's often not a tens main strength that the loose forwards and second five cover. An intercept pass is never great but they happen.


When any player is playing for his club then it's club first, respect doesn't need to be shown to opposition players simply because they're internationals.


Who exactly are you claiming Jalibert hasn't respected? If it's Toulouse international players then it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this bench demotion out.


The outcome of selecting Jalibert to the bench and he then throwing his croissants out the window of the team bus immediately prior to playing the Allblacks is a disaster that will be team disharmony as any team mates of Jalibert are in a state of anger and revolt so a performance that will be sub optimal against a team that is thirsting for revenge against France.


I don't know about you but the Allblacks are very upset they've lost twice in a row to France and want to put out a statement performance so this preparation by Galthie of creating havoc looks to me like a coach that is clueless.

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