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South African halfback Sarel Pretorius has been released halfway through his two-year Super Rugby contract with the NSW Waratahs, continuing their recent lean run with imported players.
Pretorius starred in the Waratahs’ trials and early Super Rugby games but lost his spot to Brendan McKibbin before the halfway stage of the tournament.
He was also leapfrogged by New Zealand-born halfback Grayson Hart in the final weeks of the Waratahs’ woeful campaign, which gleaned just four wins from 16 games.
Pretorius will play the 2013 Super Rugby campaign with the Cheetahs, who he represented before joining NSW.
Hart and Scottish-born McKibbin are the only senior halfbacks on the Waratahs roster for next season.
Pretorius is the latest in a series of overseas-born players who have failed to consolidate a spot with the Waratahs.
Former All Blacks outside back Sosene Anesi had two unimpressive seasons with NSW in 2010-11, while New Zealand-born flanker Cam Jowitt (2010) and South African lock Hendrik Roodt (2010) also failed to make a major impact with the Sydney-based franchise.
Pretorius apart, six other players from the 2012 Waratahs will not be with the team next year.
Backs Brackin Karauria-Henry (Japan), Daniel Halangahu (Italy) and lock Dean Mumm (England) are all playing overseas.
Flanker Chris Alcock has gone to the Western Force, lock Dan Vickerman has retired and former captain and flanker Rocky Elsom is currently unattached.
Hart and forward Lopeti Timani have both been promoted from the Waratahs’ extended squad to their senior roster.
Wallabies and former Brumbies flanker Michael Hooper is the one major NSW recruit for next season.
The Waratahs, who are still to appoint a new head coach to replace Michael Foley, have also signed outside backs Cam Crawford, Michael Hodge and Peter Betham.
NSW still have two places remaining on their roster for next year.
In the absence of a head coach, Foley’s senior assistant Alan Gaffney is the interim coach.
Officials are hoping to fill the remaining places with players inside the NSW system, with this weekend’s Sydney club grand final between Sydney University and Southern Districts an obvious shop window for aspiring Waratahs.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.