Saints sign South Africans

New-boys strengthen the ranks

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 6th October 2008

Saints sign South Africans

Mallinder: Pleased with signings

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Northampton Saints have announced the signing of South Africans Juandre Kruger and Regardt Dreyer.

The newly-promoted Saints have achieved something of a coup with the signing of Kruger, a versatile and highly rated forward.

The 23-year-old had managed to force his way into a Blue Bulls team that includes Springbok internationals Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha - the 6'6" forward on occasion ousting his more renowned teammates from the starting line-up.

Dreyer, 25, comes with less of a reputation, but the loosehead prop has proved his quality with the South Africa Under 19 team and more recently in the Currie Cup, where both he and Kruger have impressed.

Promising

"The Currie Cup is an excellent proving ground for forwards," said Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

"It is a tough competition in which Juandre and Regardt have shown themselves to be two promising young players.

"They will add to our strength in depth in two crucial positions, something we feel is necessary as we go through our Guinness Premiership season.

"I'm looking forward to welcoming Juandre and Regardt to Franklin's Gardens in the next few weeks."

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