Nemo Roelofse returns to SA to play for Sharks after decade in France
FILE. Stade Francais' South African prop Nemo Roelofse (L) runs with the ball during the French Top14 rugby union match against Castres Olympique at the Pierre-Fabre stadium in Castres, southwestern France, on September 10, 2022. Picture: Valentine Chapuis/AFP
Image: Valentine Chapuis/AFP
He may not be particularly well known to South African rugby supporters, but Nemo Roelofse is hoping to have a big impact for the Sharks next season.
The 30-year-old South African prop has spent 10 years plying his trade in French rugby, where he made a name for himself with Perpignan and Stade Francais.
Though a number of French clubs were interested in signing Roelofse in the new season, including a contract extension with Perpignan, he has signed for the Sharks and will join the Durban outfit in June.
While playing for the Springboks may at this stage be a rather lofty goal, a return home was the most appealing move, Roelofse explained.
Roelofse Chooses South Africa for New Environment and Financial Offer
“The reason I chose South Africa is that I wanted something different. A new environment, a new team, and why not go home and do that?” Roelofse told SportsBoom.co.za.
“I had a few options in France, and to be honest, I didn’t even know the South African teams knew about me.”
Interestingly, the Sharks seem to have made the best financial offer for Roelofse.
“My agent in South Africa sent me a message and said, ‘Listen, the Sharks are looking at you. Would you like to come back?’ I told him let’s see what they can offer. The offer was pretty good, so I said, why not?
“I’ve been professional for 10 years now, all of it in France,” he said.
“I would really love to come back and play in South Africa for a bit.”
The Sharks currently find themselves 14th on the United Rugby Championship table, with just two wins from eight this season.