Politics drove me out of SA rugby – Van Zyl

SOUTH African scrum-half Piet van Zyl concedes his hopes of a Springboks recall are over after accepting a short-term deal at London Irish.

Van Zyl, capped three times by South Africa and who featured in both his country’s ‘A’ games against England Saxons in 2016, is aiming to spark an Exiles revival after tiring of the political landscape that is ruining South African rugby.

The 28-year-old former Bulls No.9 told The Rugby

Paper: “I’m proud to be a Springbok and it was a great honour, but I don’t think it’s on my radar again.

“I could have stayed in South Africa and it was a tough decision I had to make after being with the Cheetahs and Bulls for so long, but I’m so glad I’ve done what I have and I’ve got a great opportunity now to make an impact for London Irish.

“The main reason I’ve left South African rugby is there are so many external factors determining the game. I want a place where I can just focus on rugby.”

Van Zyl, who is joined at Irish by former Bulls and Springboks back row colleague Arno Botha, added: “My objective is to play well and be in a position at the end of the season to say whether I like it or not and determine my future.

“Arno’s in the same boat. We made our debuts for the Springboks in 2013 and were roommates at the Bulls, so we’re good friends.”

A Premiership debut against Sale on Saturday could see Van Zyl facing another ex-Bok scrum-half in Faf de Klerk, while his arrival with Botha means some 40 South Africans operate in England’s topflight.