Springbok Andre Estherhuizen has thrown shade at rugby players who have chosen to represent foreign national teams.
The centre took a dig at Scottish players who – through naturalised citizenship – had decided to play for countries they were not born in.
On Sunday, 10 November, the Boks beat Scotland 32-15 in Murrayfield, Edinburgh.
SPRINGBOK ANDRE ESTHERHUIZEN SHADES SA-BORN SCOTTISH PLAYERS
Ahead of the Autumn Series test match in Edinburgh, Andre Estherhuizen took aim at several Scottish national team players who were born in South Africa.
He said during a press conference: “I’d much rather have my 18 caps for the Springboks than 70 caps for a different country that I’m not actually born in”.
He added: “Obviously, a lot of people have different views about that, but, for me, I’m South African. I love this country and this team. I’m very content with where I’m at.
“It’s obviously a personal opinion. I can’t speak for them as they obviously made the decision on their own. I think some players just decide young to leave the country, and when the opportunity comes, they’re probably not going to say no.”
While he didnt mention any names, it was clear the Springbok was speaking about two players in particular. Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, who hail from George and Nelspruit, respectively.
FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO SCOTLAND
Before his big move to Scotland, Pierre Schoeman – who was born in Nelspruit- attended the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria. He also studied Business Studies at the University of Pretoria and represented the Blue Bulls.
In 2018, Schoeman signed a deal with Edinburgh Rugby. In 2021, he made the Scotland national training squad after he qualified to play for the country through residency.
Images via Instagram: @pierraschoemies
Despite playing for the U20 Springboks side and a short stint at the Bulls, Duhan van der Merwe moved abroad to play club rugby.
In 2020, he qualified for residency in Scotland after playing for the Edinburgh club in 2017. He made his international debut that year and, like Pierre, played in the 2023 Rugby World Cup for his adoptive country.
Notably, another Braveheart – Dylan Richardson, who was born in Durban – also qualifies to play for the country through the qualification of his Scottish-born father.
DO YOU AGREE WITH SPRINGBOK ANDRE ESTHERHUIZEN’S VIEWS?
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