Stormers taking steps to hold on to players after Lions tour
The Western Province Rugby Union (The Stormers) will do everything in its power to prevent an exodus of players after this year's tour by the British and Irish Lions in June.
Although managing director Rob Wagner does not expect a lot of players to leave.
Province is rather going to play it safe and negotiate with its players before the start of the Super 14 season next month.
According to Die Burger newspaper Province will make sure their players do not leave for greener pastures. The contracts of Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger, Schalk Brits and Luke Watson all expire at the end of the season.
De Villiers and Burger are, according to the article, being targeted by English Premiership club Saracens, while Brits is linked to France should he decide to leave. Toulon has previously showed interest in the livewire hooker.
And more rumours are doing the rounds that Watson could join the new Eastern Cape franchise after the 2009 season.
This seems a strong possibillity after his father, Cheeky, recently became the president of the Eastern Province Rugby Union. Watson senior is believed to be working around the clock to make EP a force in SA rugby again and son Luke could just be on his shopping list.
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Stormers taking steps to hold on to players after Lions tour
