Cult hero Jacques Potgieter has produced a heartfelt letter to NSW Waratahs fans to confirm he will leave the Super Rugby champions at the end of season.
Potgieter will return home to South Africa and link with the Durban-based Sharks.
The destructive forward has been integral to the Waratahs’ transformation from perennial under-achievers to titleholders, with coach Michael Cheika only last week hailing the 29-year-old as his side’s best performer since his arrival at the start of 2104.
“To all my supporters and friends, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every supporter, coach and manager,” Potgieter posted on Instagram on Thursday.
“You have shaped me and helped me grow to be the person and player that I am today.”
Potgieter was fined $20,000 by the Australian Rugby Union – half of which was suspended – in March for making homophobic slurs against Brumbies players in a heated conference derby in Sydney.
But he was widely commended for the manner in which he accepted responsibility for the slurs, stepping forward to avoid the Waratahs and ARU from triggering a witch hunt.
Potgieter also visited a Sydney Convicts training session the following day to apologise to Australia’s only gay rugby club.
“You have accepted me with open arms. The Tahs and Australia felt like my second home,” Potgieter wrote.
With marquee imports only permitted two seasons at a Super Rugby club, the Waratahs would have required a special exemption to have the former Springbok stay on had he not opted to return home.
“I have decided to sign with the Sharks to go back to my family in South Africa,” he wrote.
“The Sharks has a very special place in my heart, I started my rugby career with them and it is such an honor (sic) and a blessing to have the opportunity to join them again and finish what I started in 2005.”
“I will continue to give the Tahs my all, if not more than what I’ve already given.
“I’ve had some of my best moments with the Tahs and will forever be thankful to have been a part of this incredible group of people!
“From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU …. now let’s go get them #blueblood.”
RT
Guest
Little bit cynical Graeme. He could have said nothing. Don't project insecurities mate. We're all good.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Sad to see him go. A great player over the past two years.He played his last minutes on the field as hard as his first. A tremendous competitor. All the best in Saffa land,
Graeme
Guest
I suppose a headline claiming that Jacques Potgieter is sad to be leaving the Waratahs was inevitable. We have the embarrassing habit of seeking the endorsement of others to assure ourselves that we live in "the best country". While it wasn't exactly stated in those terms, calling it sad suggests such an inference. What did the writer expect Jacques to say? That he couldn't wait to get out of Sydney and get back to his family and friends? Of course not. Despite his on-field demeanor, he's a gracious, polite type of guy. I can only wonder what the clamour might have been if he'd been elegible for Wallaby selection. Go well, Jacques; we'll get you next year!
Paul
Guest
Rumour has it the Smith Twins from Brumby country are being courted. Tala is named on the bench this weekend, assuming he escapes the cut (24 bench named again).
Paul
Guest
So long as he lives up to expectation. I remember him being far from memorable in his brief opportunities last year. Named on the bench this weekend so hopefully he's not cut and we see something from him. Good indication that he's improved to at least be listed in the team though
RedsKing
Guest
Nice to see that Potgieter is being treated better than poor old Sarel Pretorious. Who by the way was not the reason why the Tahs were so awful.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks Darren. Looks like the Sharks need him there. Not just for tough play. But also, the worst offence he commits are verbal As opposed to kneeing or stamping heads
jeznez
Roar Guru
Good on you Pots. Has been awesome having you here. Best of luck back in SA and hope you can go on to add to your Bokke caps.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Title(s). One each pal. If you are going to get all high and mighty, perhaps make sure you've actually done something better.
Panko
Guest
I'll miss the guy. He's got a great attitude that seemed to become a part of the tahs, particularly last year during the title run. Owned up to his mistakes and tried to make amends. Tahs fans will love him forever I think
IronAwe
Guest
Thanks Pots, been a pleasure supporting you. Good luck with the Sharks.
Westie
Guest
Pfft. Finally win something so now you can lecture other sides how to do it. Entitlement tahs.
LifestyleSpecialist
Roar Rookie
Don't say it's over! His enthusiasm definitely seemed to put a rocket up the more senior members in the pack. Infections enthusiasm is a term that comes to mind. We'll also miss Jacques's versatility to fill in across the back and second row. I'd be looking for a similarly explosive player to replace him. I'm not sure if he was quick off the mark but he certainly looks like it. Charging out of the line like a raging bull to put on big hits or taking it up the close in channels to plough into the defense. There is lots of chat about Tala Gray. I haven't seen enough of him to make a call but if the more experienced commentators are on the money then he could be the type of player the Tahs are looking for. In regards to the whole pack though I think there will be a lot of work to do with Kepu and co moving on. Let's hope the youngsters are up to it.
Harry Jones
Expert
He returns to SA older, wiser, better skilled,
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Sad to see da JackPot go really enjoyed watching him play for NSW -hope the Sharks use him well :-)
Jameswm
Guest
Nah Tala Gray comes in. No probs there. In fact the Tahs haven't relied on Jack Pots this year as much as they did last year. He had a massive influence last year.
boonzie
Guest
Another title to farewell him please :)
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
yep Utah plus I don't think Hoiles can again be a 60-80min player at SR level? The Rebels have many good backrowers so perhaps a couple of them may want to get more game time elsewhere. Also we don't know how foley will be after a long 2015 season, the rwc then the Japanese season. 2016 looks like a transition year for us.
Utah
Guest
Waratahs seriously depleted for next year and beyond. Better announce some signings, and fast.
Mike
Guest
Very sad to see him go. What a wonderful player he has been, and so sleg he was already capped for Bokke. He has won the hearts of so many here. And set a standard for our lads who want to play No 6.