Van Der Linde - Heading North

Sparky14

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_3725979,00.html

Interesting that they reckon he's gonna be one of the best paid South African players, on about 400,000euro a yr. Seems alot of money for Leinster, but Thornley seems convinced he's joining.

Jello

Big salary all right.

Fingers crossed!

MikeHoncho

Well he has been announced as part of the squad so its a done deal: http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2008/0626/leinster.html

Jackz

From the Leinster Rugby Newsletter:

Leinster Rugby are delighted to announce the Senior squad for the coming season.

The Magners League champions are boosted by the news that two of world rugby’s outstanding stars - South African World Cup winning prop Christoffel Johannes (CJ) Van Der Linde and Australian international back-row forward Rocky Elsom - have each agreed deals with the province and will join up with the squad upon the completion of their international commitments.

Ireland ‘A’ hooker John Fogarty joins from Connacht, while versatile scrum-half/wing Simon Keogh also returns to the province of his birth after a five-year spell with Harlequins. Both have signed two-year deals.

Leinster Coach Michael Cheika said: “I am really pleased with the recruitment process that has been put in place over the last few months. That players of the calibre of CJ, Rocky and Isa Nacewa have decided to move is good news for our team and they will add to the competitiveness of our squad. All three are young, hungry and gifted internationals who are determined to succeed.

“In John Fogarty and Simon Keogh we have recruited players of outstanding experience who are familiar with Irish rugby and I am sure that they will also be relishing the opportunity of a new and exciting challenge. I am delighted to welcome all our new players and wish them well for the new campaign. As a squad, we are all determined to push on and become more consistent in our ambitions in both the Magners League and the Heineken Cup.”

In addition to the arrivals, rising Academy stars Eoin O’Malley and Sean O’Brien have also signed professional contracts to join another, Fergus McFadden, who made the Senior breakthrough last year. They will hope to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Jonathan Sexton, Jamie Heaslip, Devin Toner and Cian Healy who have all made the step up to the Senior squad in recent years.

Meanwhile, Leinster can also confirm their pre-season schedule ahead of the start of the Magners League and Heineken Cup campaign which includes fixtures away to Padova (August 20th) and Benetton Treviso (August 23rd) as part of a week long Italian training camp. Leinster will then play a home game in Donnybrook against Super 14 outfit the Queensland Reds (either on August 29th or 30th, date tbc).

The Magners League champions also expect to fill the Forwards Coach vacancy within the next fortnight.

Leinster Squad 2008/’09

BACKS (15): Girvan Dempsey*, Rob Kearney*, Luke Fitzgerald*, Isa Nacewa (Auckland Blues), Shane Horgan*, Gary Brown*, Brian O’Driscoll*, Gordon D’Arcy*, Eoin O’Malley*, Fergus McFadden*, Jonathan Sexton*, Felipe Contepomi, Simon Keogh (Harlequins)*, Chris Whitaker, Chris Keane*

FORWARDS (19): Stan Wright, Stephen Knoop*, Ronan McCormack*, CJ Van Der Linde (Cheetahs / South Africa), Cian Healy*, Bernard Jackman*, John Fogarty (Connacht)*, Brian Blaney*, Malcolm O’Kelly*, Leo Cullen*, Devin Toner*, Trevor Hogan*, Cameron Jowitt*, Stephen Keogh*, Kevin McLaughlin*, Jamie Heaslip*, Sean O’Brien*, Shane Jennings*, Rocky Elsom (NSW Waratahs / Australia)

*Denotes Irish qualified

[Jackass]

Aw such quality signing, I´m REALLY excited about seeing these guys in action next season...in Van der Linde and Rocky, we´ve got more than able replacments for ollie and glees and Keogh is excellent cover for scrum half and we needed extra cover for hooker so fogarty will slot in nicely...and don´t forget the addition of Isa Nacewa who is as good as any of the backs in super 14...roll on next season...can´t wait!!!!!!!!!!

Stev_o

When are they dew to arrive though?

Junior

Rocky has been released early but he's only here for a Season ?

Jello

Great news, glad it's all finally wrapped up.