Harlequins’ Cronje ruled out of Munster clash

SPRINGBOK second row Geo Cronje has been given the green light to join Harlequins - but he won’t be available for Saturday’s trip to Thomond Park.

Harlequins announced yesterday: “Cronje is looking forward to coming to London and playing for ’Quins. He has enjoyed his time with the Blue Bulls and will remain in South Africa this week to support them in the Currie Cup final against the Freestate Cheetahs at the weekend.”

One of Harlequins’ biggest problem areas this season has been their lack of beef up-front, but the arrival of Cronje, coupled with last week’s capture of All Black lock Simon Maling, has given the club a top-class second row.

Cronje’s arrival would not be welcomed by all though as the three-cap international carries certain baggage following allegations that he made racist comments at Springbok lock Quinton Davids.

He allegedly refused to room with Davids prior to last year’s World Cup but was cleared of the charges.

Both players were omitted from South Africa’s squad for the tournament in Australia.

Harlequins’ delight at landing a player of Cronje’s quality will have been tempered by the news that Wallaby scrum-half Matt Henjak has been called into the national squad for the November tour of Europe.

Henjak had only just joined on a short-term contract and made two appearances for ’Quins but will leave the club immediately after being named as a replacement for injured scrum-half Chris Whitaker.

His departure leaves a sizeable hole at half-back - Henjak impressed during his spell at The Stoop and coach Mark Evans will hardly be rejoicing at the prospect of Samoan Steven So’oialo reclaiming the number nine jersey.