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Falcon flying into Toulouse

Thursday 15th November 2007

French club Toulouse have signed Falcons' utility back Bertus Swanepoel, a deal that will see him join the growing band of South Africans on the Heineken Cup stage.

Swanepoel, a burly back weighing in at 105 kilograms, was one of the Falcons' standout players in an ABSA Currie Cup season in which they lost all 14 matches.

The 26-year-old said the move was simply a career decision.

"I had an offer from the Cheetahs," he told this website.

"However, they didn't move fast enough. There was also an offer from the Falcons, but in the end I think the move [to France] is the best thing for my career.

"I definitely want to make an impression at Toulouse and I'm sure that I can make an impact on the field. There are a lot of big names playing for the side and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Swanepoel will join French Test stars Clement Poitrenaud (fullback), wingers Vincent Clerc and Cedric Heymans, as well as centres Florian Fritz and Yannick Jauzion.

Add to that Scottish centre Marcus di Rollo, Springbok utility back Gaffie du Toit and All Black scrum-half Byron Kelleher and he will be able to learn from the very best in the business.

"It was a difficult decision but I think it was a better option for me to go," he added.

Swanepoel began his career with the Lions playing in their Under-21 side in 2002 and the Vodacom Cup sides in 2003 and 2004, before he moved to the Leopards to play in the Premier Division in 2005.

He was also with the Leopards in 2006 and in 2007 signed on to play for the Falcons.

Swanepoel starred at outside centre and wing for the Falcons, scoring six tries for his side in the Currie Cup.

By Gareth Green