SIGN UP EXPERIENCED GELDENHUYS
EXTRA experience and power was added to the Southern Kings pack when they signed Highlanders prop Ross Geldenhuys for Super Rugby next year.
The burly Geldenhuys got his first taste of Super Rugby for the Lions in 2008 and featured in 21 matches for the Highlanders in the past two years, which included an appearance from the bench in last year’s final.
He previously played for the EP Kings in 2013 before moving to New Zealand.
In another move, the Kings also announced that former Junior Springbok prop Dayan van der Westhuizen, from the Blue Bulls, had joined them on loan.
Kings coach Deon Davids said Geldenhuys, 33, would add vital experience to his team.
“Ross has been around the block in recent years and will bring with him the kind of experience that is invaluable at Vodacom Super Rugby level, especially at tighthead, which is one of the most specialised positions in the team.
“I’m very excited to welcome him and Dayan, one of the best young tighthead props in the country, to the squad and I’m excited that we have some good depth at prop for next year.”
Geldenhuys said he was looking forward to returning to Port Elizabeth and had set his sights on a starting berth.
“I’m enjoying my rugby at the moment and I hope to cement a starting berth at the Southern Kings, as I’ve really enjoyed playing in the run-on team for Tasman this year,” he said.
“I’ve worked extremely hard in the last couple of years and I’m probably fitter and stronger than ever before. I know I still have a number of seasons left in me and I’m excited to be returning to SA.”
The Grahamstown-schooled Geldenhuys was in sterling form for Tasman, losing finalists in New Zealand’s Mitre10 Cup this year, and was rated as one of the best tighthead props of the tournament.
The Kings also confirmed that Border stars Masixole “Coyi” Banda (flyhalf), recently named Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year, and Makazole Mapimpi (wing) had joined the team on loan.
Davids said: “It will also be great to have Banda and Mapimpi on loan from Border next season.”