Landsberg opts  for Springboks? Darrien-Lane Landsberg

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE-born lock, Darrien-Lane Landsberg, who plays for South African Rugby Union (Saru) franchise team ADT Fidelity Lions has set his sights on playing for the Springboks despite rumours and offers of playing for the Sables.

According to SportsCast, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has approached the talented 26-year-old to join their ranks but with no success so far. Landsberg appears motivated enough to pursue his dream by opting for a higher standard of play with the Springboks instead.

He made a name for himself with the Lions in the Currie Cup, playing a pivotal role in reaching the 2024 finals. With such a successful track record at the club level, he hopes to get the attention of coach Rassie Erasmus and earn himself a spot in the South African squad.

“He has been spoken to by Zimbabwe’s coaching staff, but he is still trying to make the Springboks. He is even more confident of Boks selection because he had a very good Currie Cup season,” said SportsCast.

At Lions, Landsberg plays alongside Sables’ star fullback Tapiwa Mafura, who was instrumental in Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup win. The Sables are eagerly looking to enhance the rugby squad for their upcoming appearance in the Africa Cup next year, which is a direct qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, marking their first time in the prestigious event since 1991.

Darrien-Lane Landsberg

After winning the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda in July, the Sables are confident in their abilities. Managed by Piet Benade, the Sables received a boost with the addition of fly-half, Ian Prior, who has traced back to his birth country from Australia, where he was a former Australia Under-20 player.

There are several Zimbabwe-born players on ZRU’s radar, with Eli Snyman of Italian side Benetton a top target, as the 28-year-old is eager to return home to play Test rugby.

The Sables are also looking to recruit one-capped Australia centre, Kyle Godwin and another one-capped All Blacks loose forward Gareth Evans, among others.
Prior believes that having players of Zimbabwean descent returning to their roots will significantly bolster the Sables’ squad and assist in their historical qualification for the global showpiece.

“I have played with Kyle for a number of years over here (in Australia). I was in the force with him, and he is a quality human and a really class player. As far as I am aware, he is keen (on playing for Zimbabwe) and hopefully with the results we have got, anyone who is eligible and interested will see there is some real potential to be able to create some history and try and qualify for the first World Cup finals since 1991.

“We’ve always tried to punch above our weight in Zimbabwe and I guess it makes it more appealing for guys that may be on the fence to see that we are on the right path. We have had a bit of success and the right people in the bus – both from a player point of view and a coaching and administration point of view,” said Prior in August.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe A is set to face Manicaland Select at Harare Sports Club tomorrow afternoon.

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