NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are not likely to receive any transfer fee from Natal Sharks after Percy Montgomery, pictured, yesterday signed a two-year contract with them after being released by the Dragons, writes Robin Davey.
The Springbok ace, who has been at Rodney Parade for nearly three years, signed a two-and-a-half year extension to his contract only last year which would have kept the 31-year-old at Newport for the rest of his career.
But six months later he is returning to his native South Africa, his new contract starting on June 1. He admitted on the Sharks website, "It was a difficult decision to make, I've thoroughly enjoyed my rugby in Wales, but this is a great opportunity back home."
The problem with possible compensation for the Dragons is that Montgomery's contract was partly funded by benefactor Tony Brown, though Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell was meeting with chief executive Andy Marinos today to discuss the issue.
Marinos is also leaving the Dragons, both departures forecast in the Argus weeks ago, returning to his Capetown home and could well end up at the Sharks as well in a new administrative role.
Monty's departure means tomorrow night's Celtic League quarter-final against Llanelli Scarlets will be his final appearance at Rodney Parade if the Dragons lose.
If, on the other hand, the Dragons go all the way to the final the South African is not expected to be available because he has to return for national training ahead of the Tri Nations series.
Monty features at outside centre again tomorrow in view of the Dragons' injury problems.
There are three changes, all up front, with props Adam Black and Rhys Thomas stepping in and Rhys Oakley at blindside flanker for the banned Jamie Ringer
Gareth Cooper is named among nine replacements, though still struggling with his ankle injury. Newport's James Ireland stands by along with club captain Matthew Veater.
Team: K Morgan, G Wyatt, P Montgomery, J Bryant, B Breeze, C Sweeney, G Baber, A Black, S Jones, R Thomas, I Gough, L Charteris, R Oakley, M Owen, J Forster (captain). Replacements from: J Richards, R Snow, C Anthony, P Sidoli, M Veater, G Cooper, J Ireland, C Warlow, S Tiupulotu. Kick-off 7.05pm.
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