Ospreys snap up Springbok to plug gaps during autumn
THE Ospreys have decided to draft in South African back Johnny Kotze to add to their depth during the autumn Test window,
Described as “one of the most important cogs” at the Pretoriabased Bulls after a season that saw him score seven tries in 16 Super Rugby outings, the 25-year-old has agreed a shortterm deal with the Liberty Stadium region and will arrive in South Wales later this month.
The 6ft, 14st Kotze can play centre or wing and is being brought in for three months, during which the Ospreys expect to be stretched for cover in the three-quarters, with Owen Watkin and George North set to be involved with Wales.
Scott Williams, Lesley Klim and Keelan Giles are also all currently sidelined by injuries.
Kotze said: “I am superpsyched to join the Ospreys after the 2018 Currie Cup season.
“They have had a great PRO14 campaign thus far and I am looking forward to contributing to the club’s success in any way I can.”
Kotze will add experience to the Ospreys backline, having come through at Cape Town-based Western Province before getting his first taste of Super Rugby with the Stormers, featuring regularly in both the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
He subsequently moved to Pretoria where he has played in the Currie Cup for Blue Bulls, this year establishing himself in the Bulls’ Super Rugby squad.
Kotze is currently involved in the Currie Cup, with Blue Bulls well placed for a semi-final spot going into the final round of action.
He will travel to Wales as soon as his side’s involvement in the competition comes to an end.
Ospreys general rugby manager Dan Griffiths said Kotze would fill an important role over the next three months.
“We are going into an important period in terms of our aspirations for the season, with international call-ups and injuries impacting, so to have the ability to bring in a player of Johnny’s quality will give everyone a real boost,” said Griffiths.
“He is someone who will bring physicality and go-forward to the backline, covering multiple positions, and will, I’m sure, prove a great asset.
“Developing home-grown talent remains a priority for us, but we also recognise that adding in the right non-Welsh qualified talent can help us achieve our performance targets.”