Harlequins Sign Tim Swiel from SA

Harlequins sign Tim Swiel to cover injured Ben Botica

Harlequins have signed South African fly-half Tim Swiel on loan from Sharks until February.
The 21-year-old will act as cover for the injured Ben Botica, who has been ruled out until the new year following shoulder surgery.
Swiel is England qualified, having been born in Taunton.
"Tim is a player with real X-factor who we are sure will fit within how we play and we look forward to welcoming him," said Quins boss Conor O'Shea.
"While we are very disappointed to lose Ben Botica to injury, I am delighted to be able to bring in someone of Tim's ability from The Sharks at such short notice."
Swiel, who will compete with Nick Evans for the number 10 shirt at the Stoop, has represented South Africa at school level, but ruled himself out of Under-20s selection in order to keep his international options open.
"I am looking forward to joining Harlequins during the Sharks' off-season," said the former Western Province half-back.
"Due to injury, I did not get a lot of game time during this year's Currie Cup and my coaches at the Sharks and I agree that regular game time during this off-season will enhance my preparation and will provide the necessary momentum needed for Super Rugby 2015."

Bathite wrote:Why on earth haven't Bath done something similar for this back row crisis? On the weekend, against the 190 french caps of Toulouse's back row (with Nyanga on their bench), we had an 8 playing at 7, a lock at 6 and an academy lock at 8!

Poorfour wrote:

Bathite wrote:Why on earth haven't Bath done something similar for this back row crisis? On the weekend, against the 190 french caps of Toulouse's back row (with Nyanga on their bench), we had an 8 playing at 7, a lock at 6 and an academy lock at 8!

Stuart Lancaster had a word with the Bath coaches and told them not to bother with Armitage because playing backrowers out of position is the way to go.

doctor_grey wrote:

Poorfour wrote:

Bathite wrote:Why on earth haven't Bath done something similar for this back row crisis? On the weekend, against the 190 french caps of Toulouse's back row (with Nyanga on their bench), we had an 8 playing at 7, a lock at 6 and an academy lock at 8!

Stuart Lancaster had a word with the Bath coaches and told them not to bother with Armitage because playing backrowers out of position is the way to go.

Stewie will be playing his back rowers at fullback or on the wing?  

Welly wrote:Going back to SA after so I guess Wuins will be hoping it is more of a long term investment.


 Didn't Swiel reject a chance to play in the SA U20's so he can keep his options open for international rugby?

Bathman_in_London wrote:I always though Catrakilis looked like a good player. Mind you, I thought Peter Grant should have got a run instead of Morne Steyn too, WP FH's aren't needed clearly!

England have plenty of young FH's too, Slade should also be on that list, he will play for England before Burns does again I reckon. If I was Swiel I would stay in SA long term, it only needs a new coach to refuse to select foreign players and he might get a chance (assuming that more players will leave post WC).

Bathman_in_London wrote:True, but fatty Francois could have played and taken the longer range kicks. Either way, if he was from another country, Grant would have certainly got caps. Same with someone like Kockott, no way would he remain uncapped if he wasn't from SA.

Sounds like Swiels best chance of international rugby is to find a Scottish or Italian grandparent from somewhere...