EDDIE O’SULLIVAN’S BIARRITZ have signed Cheetahs No. 8 Philip van der Walt to replace the departed Imanol Harinordoquy, who confirmed his switch to Toulouse last weekend.
Relegated into the Pro D2 for the 2014/15 season, O’Sullivan has been tasked with lifting the Basque club back into the Top 14 as soon as possible. The addition of van der Walt should greatly improve the Irishman’s chances of doing so.
The 24-year-old has impressed in his six Super Rugby starts for the South African franchise this season, as his rangy ball-carrying, pace and work-rate have made him a constant danger in attack.
Van der Walt will link up with Biarritz at the conclusion of the current Super Rugby campaign [the Cheetahs' final game is on July the 12th]. Among his fellow new faces will be All Black Bryn Evans, Wallaby flyer Rod Davies and Scotland centre Nick de Luca, signalling Biarritz’s serious intent to earn swift promotion.
The Cheetahs are currently experiencing something of an exodus of their players, with Johan Goosen [Racing Métro] and Riaan Smit [Oyonnax] among those who will mirror van der Walt in heading to Europe next season.
Good man Eddie, going to be interesting to see how he gets on, especially if they get promotion.