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| 30 July 2004, 4:47 pm |
| Saints Confirm Krige Signing |
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| Corne Krige signs for Saints |
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Northampton Saints can today confirm the signing of former Springbok and Stormers captain Corne Krige.
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Western Province have now agreed to release Krige before the end of the Currie Cup season and, as a result, news of his new role at Franklin’s Gardens could only be officially released today.
Flanker Krige was a part of the South African Rugby World Cup squad when he played his last international game against New Zealand in the quarter finals.
Krige, 29, made his debut for the Springboks in 1999 against Italy. He led the side 18 times as its captain and has a total of 39 caps. He has already worked with Saints’ new head coach Alan Solomons at international, Super 12 and provincial level.
Northampton Saints operations director John Steele said: “There has been much speculation and controversy surrounding this signing but I believe the proof of the player’s ability and what he can offer the club will be seen after the first few matches of the season.”
Head coach Alan Solomons said: “Corne is a fantastic bloke with strong leadership qualities as evidenced by his captaincy of Western Province, the Stormers and the Springboks. He is a hard-nosed, abrasive open side flanker in the mould of Budge Pountney. I count him among the top open sides in world rugby.”
Krige will begin his role with the club ahead of Saints’ pre-season friendly against Edinburgh Rugby at Franklin’s Gardens.
Former Saints prop Garry Pagel, who knows Krige from his South African playing days, said: “Corne will be without question one of the most influential signings made by the Saints in the last few years. I have played alongside Corne and he is a good friend of mine. I always found that he was a dedicated, loyal and hardworking player, on and off the field, and that he played for his teammates and was prepared to put in the hard work.” |
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