Koch: I made right choice

Vincent Koch (above) has admitted he has given up his Springbok ambitions to help his English club Saracens try and have as much success as they had last season.

Koch is one of three Springboks in Saracens’ squad for the Champions League Cup against Clermont Auvergne at Murrayfield today. He will start at tighthead prop, while hooker Schalk Brits and flank Schalk Burger have been included on the bench.

Koch, who has only played nine Tests, won’t be able to play for the Springboks after June according to SA Rugby’s planned prerequisite that only overseas-based players that have played 30 or more Tests will be eligible for selection.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Koch said: “I have made the decision to play here. I am not going to be able to play for the Springboks again while I am overseas, which is sad.

“As a child you dream of playing for your country and it was a real honour every time I was selected, but I have a new career now.’’

Saracens will aim to rewrite European rugby union’s record books today. The London side are bidding to become just the fourth club to win back-to-back European Cup titles, after Leicester, Leinster and Toulon.

Victory would also see Saracens set a new outright record of 18 matches unbeaten in the Champions Cup, equalling the record they share with Irish side Leinster of 17. – AFP, ANA