Schreuder to add experience to Kings team
LIVEWIRE scrumhalf Louis Schreuder has been signed to add vital experience to the Southern Kings’ Super Rugby squad.
Schreuder, who has been playing for Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League, will arrive in the city tomorrow.
Before leaving for Japan last year, Schreuder played 66 Super Rugby matches for the Stormers, and Kings head coach Deon Davids said he was delighted with the latest addition to his squad.
The Kings were forced for go on a last-minute hunt for another scrumhalf when it emerged that James Hall would not be returning to Port Elizabeth from France where he plays for Oyonnax.
“Louis will arrive in Port Elizabeth on Friday before we go on our camp in Port Alfred,” Davids said after a Kings training session.
“We were looking for a guy with Super Rugby experience who brings different aspects to the game.
“We also wanted a bit more of a senior player who also brings good leadership skills.
“Louis has got good skills, a fine pass and good kicking game. He is joining us for Super Rugby and the Kubota Spears are interested in recontracting him for next season.
“He has done very well in Japan. We will assess him when he gets here and give him time to settle in.
“We were sad to lose James because he did some great things and he is a very good player. We are glad we now have a player of Louis’ calibre to give us some experience in that position.”
Born in the Western Cape, Schreuder came through the ranks at WP and made his senior debut against Border duances ring the 2010 Vodacom Cup.
Super Rugby caps arrived the following year as he took advantage of injuries to regular scrumhalfs Dewaldt Duvenage and Ricky Januarie to earn game time towards the end of the season.
Januarie’s departure ahead of the 2012 season saw Schreuder become the regular back-up to Duvenage and he made 14 substitute appear- during the campaign.
In 2013, Schreuder took a big step forward when Duvenage announced he would join French Top 14 side Perpignan at the conclusion of the 2013 Super Rugby season.
In the 2013 Currie Cup, Schreuder established himself ahead of Nic Groom as Province’s first-choice scrumhalf.
He played in all 12 of his side’s matches during the season, including nine starts as the Western Cape outfit reached their second consecutive Currie Cup final.
In his early years, Schreuder was vice-captain of the South Africa U20 team that competed in the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina.
An injury crisis during the 2013 Incoming Test Series resulted in Schreuder receiving a call-up for the Springboks.
He did not get any game time, but was again named in the Springbok squad for the 2013 end-of-year test series games against Wales, Scotland and France.
Schreuder was unable to earn a slot in the match day squad, but gained valuable experience training alongside fellow scrumhalfs Fourie du Preez, Ruan Pienaar and Jano Vermaak.
After their week-long camp in Port Alfred next week, the Kings will play a friendly against the Border Bulldogs on February 4 in East London.
Louis has got good skills, a fine pass and good kicking game