2013 Squad so far

[sittingbison]

...waiting for the ARU to decide...so could only be DP or MP

So given he has not played senior Boks, by their own rules (sorry Ecky make that Laws hehe) he is classified as a development player and we can have him as long as we want and still have a marquee.

Which means of course the ARU will disregard their Laws () as they obviously don't apply to EWF, and actually classify him as a marquee player and we can only have him a year.

[benny]

I would say that is what they are waiting for the ARU to decide, I don't think there is any heritage so could only be DP or MP.

If we were called the Western Rebels, then he would be a 'standard australian player' and we wouldn't use the DP or MP slot..

lets see if ARU + John O'Neil have the balls and decides if there is 1 rule for all Australian Franchises or 1 rule for the Rebels and 1 rule for every 1 else.

The Clocks ticking ARU !!!

[The InnFORCEr]

My guess is that they have probably hit the ARU with Sias and Swanepoel at the same time to see whta the ARU will allow.

[The InnFORCEr]

Confirmed that he is our Developing Foreign Player so Marque is still open or we could take another DFP

Should be official in a few hours subject to ARU approval.

[sittingbison]

scuze me for being dumb but have we got a Developing Foreign Player ATM? No one springs to mind

[The InnFORCEr]

His name was Ripia......you're excused

[todd4]

Confirmed that he is our Developing Foreign Player so Marque is still open or we could take another DFP

Should be official in a few hours subject to ARU approval.

Thats good news TIF....

so if I understand it correctly he must have expressed a willingness to play in Oz for 3 years which would make him eligible for the Wallabies which means he will be signing for the Force for 2+ years.

[benny]

nah now i can sleep easily, i dont mind him as our DP. just not our MP....

So TIF, does that mean we also have Swanapoel as a # in the squad without using the DP or MP picks ??

[Darren]

The Emirates Western Force recruitment drive for the 2013 FxPro season is in full swing with the signing of Cheetahs flyhalf Sias Ebersohn to the squad on a two year deal as the club’s foreign developing player.

Ebersohn is a natural talent in the playmaker role and has been part of the Cheetahs set-up for the past three seasons. His tactical kicking, communication on the field and confidence in directing play will be a welcome asset to the Emirates Western Force in the seasons to come.

RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid said the club had been watching Ebersohn develop as a player over the past two seasons and had made contact with the young flyhalf during the side’s recent visit to Bloemfontein.

“Following our meeting, Sias has agreed to accept our offer to be the foreign developing player for the Emirates Western Force in the 2013 season,” Mr Reid said.

“The agreement is now before the Australian Rugby Union as they need to approve any foreign developing player contracts under the contracting guidelines.”

Foreign developing players are signed on a two year contract with a Super Rugby franchise and must exhibit potential to play for the Wallabies to be approved by the ARU.

“In our view, Sias has great potential to make a significant impact for the Emirates Western Force in the Super Rugby competition and at an international level and for the past couple of seasons has been touted as a future Springbok,” said Mr Reid.

“We are delighted he has accepted the offer to play for the Emirates Western Force and look forward to welcoming him into the programme.”

Emirates Western Force captain David Pocock met with the promising playmaker following the game against the Cheetahs in round 11.

“I met with Sias when we were in Bloemfontein and he was excited about the prospect of moving to Perth,” said Pocock.

“We’ve been watching him for a while and he is a very skilful player and will bring some much needed energy and experience to that position.

“I’m sure he will fit in well with the playing group at the Emirates Western Force and will enjoy his time in Perth.”

Charles Mountifield, General Manager Rugby Operations (Australia) of the Essentially Group said Ebersohn was looking forward to the opportunity to play for the Western Australian franchise.

“Sias is a promising young rugby player and is looking forward to proving his rugby abilities at the Western Force and eventually at an international level,” Mountifield said.

[James]

Jordan Rapana signed a 2 year deal. He is here until 2013.

[valzc]

What is going on with Jordan Rapana anyway? Does anyone know? Last I heard he was to play club rugby but haven/t heard anything else about return from his injury.

[Hoolly Doolly]

Whats happened with Patty Dellit? Is he injured or just fallen out of favour?

Whats the status of Stanley and Sidey?
Mafi played a lot at first receiver last weekend? Could potentially develop into a 12 maybe? He has a decent low trajectory kick for touch finders as well. I like the way he loses no pace with change of direction when running with ball in hand. Sidey and Stanley seem to hesitate sometimes and neither have a step or a decent accurate boot.

Rapana when healthy is a keeper. We just havent seen enough of him. Was up there with Tupou as far as my positive expectations were of them. Would like to see some attacking plays developed for Tupou. Seen some great breaks and touches from him and is a beast in defense. Could potentially be Australias answer to Fruen. Frees us up to put Cummins back on the wing.

[PerthChicka]

Don't know about Stanley and Sidey, but Paddy was back playing club rugby last weekend on his way back from injury.

[brokendown gunfighter]

who for?

[SirRichie]

Rapana is with Pally.