Joost move still in doubt

Newport's financial backer Tony Brown today reopens negotiations with the South African Rugby Union and van der Westhuizen's agents.

A doubt about whether the 75-times capped player, pictured, rated the best scrum half in the world, will be able to join Newport cropped up at the end of last week.

Newport have the signature of van der Westhuizen on a one-year contract with an option for a further year.

That was after obtaining his realease from his province the Blue Bulls, but SARFU have still to sign his contract of release.

And they stepped up the pressure late in the day by asking for a development fee, which they are entitled to do, though that should not stop a player's move.

Sums mentioned have been grossly exaggerated, however. It is believed Brown has paid 'a modest sum' to the Blue Bulls (formerly Northern Transvaal), and the development fee now asked for by SARFU is 'nowhere near' the £100,000 suggested.

But whereas originally SARFU appeared willing to let van der Westhuizen play overseas partly because he was out of form, now he is back to his best and they could be trying to insist that if he goes his international career will be over.

If that is the case van der Westhuizen will have little option but to stay, though Brown is still hopeful he will get his man.

"I remain optimistic, things are negotiable, and I'll be devastated if Joost doesn't come," he said.

Van der Westhuizen told the Argus only last week that he was excited by the challenge of helping Newport. But, interviewed in New Zealand at the weekend after South Africa's Tri Nations defeat, he was non-committal.

"According to South African Rugby Union's rules I have to play a full Currie Cup so to be considered for the Springboks I have to play at home."

And a message for the Newport fans? "Let's hope negotiations go well this week and hopefully I will see you over there," he said.

Van der Westhuizen is due to arrive at Newport on September 4.

First published on Monday 27 August 2001: