NEWPORT are still confident that South African star Joost van der Westhuizen (pictured) is joining the club on schedule next month.

The South African Rugby Union have now asked for a development fee for van der Westhuizen to come to Newport, even though it is late in the day.

And there have once more been suggestions the player is having second thoughts about a move because of his outstanding form in the Tri Nations series and not wishing to jeopardise his international place.

Those suggestions can be discounted because van der Westuizen has twice informed the Argus he is definitely joining Newport.

Only yesterday in an exclusive interview he said, "I really believed I needed a new challenge and I'm very excited about the positive progress achieved by Newport." The request for a development fee from Newport will not hold up his move to Rodney Parade.

Dale Jackson, the Welsh-based South African agent who handles van der Westhuizen's affairs, admitted today, "SARFU have requested a development fee, which is being discussed."

But he stressed, "That can't stop the movement of a player. Development fees can be negotiated, unlike transfer fees."

Newport owner Tony Brown said today: "We paid a transfer fee to the Blue Bulls which was accepted and we have Joost's signature on a contract.

"We understood there would be no problems with SARFU, but they are now asking for the development fee which is the subject of negotiation."

First published on Thursday 23 August 2001: