South African looking to end career on a high at Northampton
HEINRICH Brussow, scourge of the British Lions in 2009, is ready to pump heart and soul into what will be his final career challenge at Northampton as he aims to steer English rugby’s fallen giants back to the Premiership summit.
Openside flanker Brussow, whose tigerish displays at the breakdown for the Springboks nine years ago contributed heavily to a 2-1 series victory over Ian McGeechan’s Lions, is relishing his first taste of Northern Hemisphere rugby after four years in Japan.
Former Cheetahs star Brussow, 31, reveals he turned down other clubs to pitch up at Franklin’s Gardens, where he has become an instant hit.
He told The Rugby Paper: “I’ve got two years left, maybe three at the most, before I’m done, so this is the sort of last big challenge I was looking for and where better than to come to Europe and play in one of the biggest competitions in the world?
“There were a few clubs I looked at but when I researched the Saints, with their history and tradition, they’ve been at the top of English rugby for many years and have a good plan.
“It’s not been the best season we’ve had but there’s been heaps of progress in my short time here and it’s a club that is going out of its way to improve. The arrival of Chris Boyd, right, next season will enhance that process and it’s a very exciting time.”
Brussow, who joined Saints from Osaka-based Red Hurricanes, added: “I was at the stage where I’d played for a few years in Japan, which I really enjoyed, but I needed something different where I could measure myself against the best again. “I hadn’t played for three months prior to arriving last month so I still need to find myself and get playing properly again, but what I’m known for is being a nuisance at the breakdown, disturbing opposition ball and that’s what I’m expected to bring. “I’m a handful No.7 and love making tackles, but I enjoy playing with the ball and I’m more of an allrounder now because you can’t just be a fetcher anymore. “I want to enjoy my rugby and the Premiership is a competition that has really grown on the world stage. Look at England and the way they’re playing – they’ve got so many great players and some of the best players in the world are here as well.”
Brussow laments the rapid decline of South African rugby in recent seasons but believes the Springboks can still challenge England this summer – if head coach-inwaiting Rassie Erasmus is allowed to pick his best players from overseas.
He explained: “Just look at the No.9s here in England with Faf De Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Nic Groom, Francois Hougaard and Piet van Zyl, all with buckets of experience who could contribute.
“I played with Rassie in the Free State and he’s one of the best coaches we have, but we need to get the best guys in the team.
“If he picks the best guys South Africa can still be a big threat to England this summer and at the next World Cup.”