A reinforcement of weight for a team which fights for the maintenance.
The Section Paloise, 13th and penultimate of the Top 14, announced on Tuesday the arrival of the South African international opening half Elton Jantjies (30 years old) who joins the club as an additional player until the end of the season.
The Béarn club achieves a big blow after being deprived of its forerunners Antoine Hastoy and Mike Harris.
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The opener to the 37 selections with the Springboks, lining of Handré Pollard during the last World Cup in Japan, was released by the Lions, who play in Super Rugby.
“Elton's experience will be invaluable for the home stretch of the season.
He is a player who will bring confidence to the group.
His arrival allows us to secure a post impacted by injuries, ”said Pau president Bernard Pontneau in a press release.
Last summer, Elton Jantjies was already courted by the Section Paloise but the South African then declined the tempting offer of the Béarn club (12,000 euros monthly), arguing that he preferred to stay in the country and devote himself to his franchise based in Johannesburg and the Springboks.
“I don't play rugby for the money.
I'm playing it for the right reasons and money is definitely not one of them, he explained to
Netwerk24
.
Lions are a special team for me and that's where my heart is.
I am one of the leaders of the Lions, I am not going to make a hasty decision and turn my back on the federation to get money. ”
He reconsidered his decision to stay in South Africa
He added at the time: “I feel that my career is launched with the Lions and the Springboks, which is why I do not have the ambition to play abroad.
Of course, I would have made a lot more money in France, but that doesn't matter.
I know others have a different take on this, and some would say I'm a fool for not taking these bigger paycheck opportunities.
But I love the game here in South Africa, and that's where I want to be.
Things like safety, family life and other factors played a role in my decision and I am very happy with my choice. ”
In the end, he accepted the commando mission proposed by Pau, who must fight for its maintenance in Top 14. Friday, the Béarn club, which has 32 points (6 wins, 1 draw, 13 defeats) is playing a capital match against the 'Aviron Bayonne (12th, 39 points) on behalf of the 21st day of the Top 14. There are only six matches left in Pau to avoid a downhill / accession barrage with a Pro D2 team.
Agen, 14th in the championship, is already condemned to the descent, after losing 20 matches in as many days.
Note that Elton Jantjies, before finally joining Béarn, had previously given his agreement to ... Agen.
But the South African Federation, plagued by financial difficulties, then refused to release him.
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