Chadwick exit opens door for Sharks' Schoeman
Juan Schoeman has a chance to prove his worth at the Cell C Sharks after Dale Chadwick decided to pack his bags for France.
Earlier this week, the Sharks confirmed that Chadwick would be joining second tier French side Narbonne in the coming weeks.
The loosehead prop has looked good for the Durban outfit in the opening rounds and brought in some needed experience to the front row with Lourens Adriaanse and Coenie Oosthuizen on Springbok duty.
However the player drain to Europe continues and Chadwick is one of the latest players to settle for a lucrative contract overseas. With 95 Super Rugby and Currie Cup caps combined, Chadwick clearly believes it’s time to cash in on Euro – with limited opportunity to impose himself as a regular starter over the years.
That has now opened the door for Juan Schoeman to prove his worth in the senior setup. Coach Robert du Preez admitted that the time had come to back the likes of Schoeman and Chadwick’s exit has facilitated that move.
“Juan is a guy with a lot of potential and he came in as a late replacement for Dale against the Bulls and he went really went. I’m pleased with that progress. It’s good that we give guys opportunities and it’s for them to then use it. It builds the confidence and depth in the team,” Du Preez said at Growthpoint Kings Park on Thursday.
“Dale was good for us in the first three games. The first game against the Pumas, Dale was going to be on the bench for Thomas du Toit as Lourens was still with us. But Thomas was sick and he couldn’t train and we substituted him. From there, Dale really performed well.
“It is a loss for us, he’s been a stalwart for Sharks rugby and he’s been with us for a long time. We wish him well in his new endeavours.”
Chadwick has signed a two-year deal with Narbonne.
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