Rugby: Halfback may be tempted further

By D.J. Cameron

Joggie Viljoen, the Western Province and former Springbok halfback now showing his classical style with Northland in the national rugby championship, could be back in New Zealand again playing Super 12 early next season.

Viljoen, who joined Northland this winter after Western Province did not reach the Currie Cup play-offs - after some talent spotting by two old playing adversaries in Murray Mexted and Rob Louw - plans to return home to Cape Town after Northland finish their championship campaign.

"Once I am home I will look at my rugby future," said Viljoen, after playing in the 31-47 loss to Counties Manukau on Saturday.

"I have had approaches from two Super 12 clubs in South Africa, and one in New Zealand," he said.

"And I am not yet going to say which New Zealand team has approached me."

The Chiefs, who had Rhys Duggan and Danny Lee on their books, and the Hurricanes, with Jason Spice and Ofia Tonu'u, should be the leading candidates for a halfback of Viljoen's obvious talent.

"If circumstances permit I would also like to look at coming back to play for Northland again next year," said Viljoen.

"It was not the money this time - more that I was concentrating on enjoying my rugby, and decided I would like to have a crack at playing in New Zealand.

"The people in Northland have been tremendous, very kind, and men like Bryce Woodward, the Northland coach, have been very helpful in developing my play.

"There is a special feeling about rugby in Northland. There is a lot of talent, but perhaps they, like the lifestyle, are a little too relaxed," he suggested.

The 23-year-old Viljoen who played for the Springboks on tour in 1996 but has yet to play a test, has the given name of Roelof, but carries his father's nickname of Joggie, established when Joggie senior was playing for South Africa against the 1970 All Blacks.

"It's funny, isn't it?" said Joggie junior.

"My father played against Sid Going, and now here I am playing for Northland inside Jared Going, Sid's son."