This file photo shows Jacques Potgieter making a pass during a Super 15 rugby union match in Christchurch, in 2012. The New South Wales Waratahs have pulled off a coup by announcing on Tuesday the signing of Potgieter on a two-year contract. The 27-year-old Springbok prop, is known for his physicality. (AFP/File)
SYDNEY (AFP) – The New South Wales Waratahs have pulled off a coup by announcing on Tuesday the signing of South African hard man Jacques Potgieter on a two-year contract.
The 27-year-old Springbok prop, known for his physicality, will join the Super 15 club from the Northern Bulls prior to the start of the 2014 competition, following a stint in Japanese rugby.
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said he was an ideal fit for the squad.
"In building our 2014 squad I wanted to profile one of our locks as a no-nonsense, hard and strong ball carrier and tackler, experienced and hungry to add these qualities to our squad," said Cheika.
"Jacques fits this profile perfectly and his experience in the back row also gives us extra quality in our forward depth."
Potgieter, who played his last game for the Bulls in the Super Rugby semi-final loss to the ACT Brumbies, said he was excited by the new challenge.
"I'm really looking forward to joining the Waratahs for Super Rugby and spending time in a great city like Sydney," he said.
"The Waratahs play a style of rugby that I really enjoy and I'm looking forward to working with Michael Cheika."
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