Serfontein clarifies overseas move

Springbok and Bulls centre Jan Serfontein has sought to clarify his reasoning for opting to further his career overseas.

On Wednesday, news broke that Serfontein had turned down a deal with the Bulls and SA Rugby in order to to negotiate an offer abroad.

It led to some speculation that Serfontein had failed to receive timely clarity and communication from SA Rugby about his future, but he took to Twitter to present his views on the matter:

Following media reports today about my decision not to stay on in SA, I would like to state the facts.

— Jan Serfontein (@SerfonteinJan) April 20, 2017

I was happy and grateful with the generous contract extension offered by SA Rugby and the Bulls, made well in advance by both parties.

— Jan Serfontein (@SerfonteinJan) April 20, 2017

My decision to pursue playing opportunities abroad was personal, had nothing to do with media claims about unhappiness or uncertainty.

— Jan Serfontein (@SerfonteinJan) April 20, 2017

Meanwhile, Springbok defence coach Brendan Venter questioned the role that agents were playing in South African rugby, as players such as Serfontein add to the long list of Springboks heading overseas.

Pity Jan Serfontein decided to move overseas at such a young age. So much potential. Wonder if Cobus Reinach and Jan have the same agent ?

— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) April 19, 2017

Springbok supporters are desperate to see the results improve and rightly so. Pity we have South African rugby agents that just don't care.

— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) April 19, 2017

I am sure there are some really good agents out there, but looking at the advice both Cobus and Jan got, there are some shockers as well.

— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) April 19, 2017

In SA we love to blame SA rugby when we dont get results. Allister. Jurie. Mr Alexander. Fikile Mabule. Maybe blame the real culprits?

— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) April 19, 2017

If this was not about money why not bring out a media report explaining to us all what it was about. The agent manages the player. Tell us.

— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) April 19, 2017

Maybe time for a factual conversation.Agent says SA rugby to blame for dragging their feet. Show us the date the contract was signed!!

— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) April 20, 2017

In SA we have unique challenges and to make the Boks a force in World Rugby again everybody involved in rugby must contribute.

— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) April 20, 2017

Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

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Serfontein clarifies overseas move

Post by Craig Lewis