Quins Cronje swoop hits hitch

Harlequins’ swoop for Geo Cronje looks to have hit a stumbling block after it emerged the controversial Springbok second row is apparently still under contract with the Blue Bulls.

Cronje was confirmed as Quins’ latest signing earlier today in the London club’s attempt to buy its way out of trouble but Bulls chief executive officer Stephan Pretorius claims the lock still belongs to the South African province.

He said: “As far as we are concerned Geo Cronje has a contract with us for 2005. Geo has told Wynie Strydom, our team manager, that he has not signed anything yet but I have not spoken to him myself.

“I’ve had his file out, though, and am happy that he is under contract with us until next year. I have left him messages to contact me and won’t be able to elaborate until I’ve had a chance to speak to him.”

If Pretorius’ claims are true, Quins may have been a little hasty in announcing Cronje’s arrival but should the towering 24-year-old complete his switch to The Stoop he will prove a valuable addition to the squad.

The Twickenham club’s lack of power up front has been one of the main reasons for their wretched start to the Zurich Premiership campaign and they currently prop up the table after enduring seven straight defeats.

The second row was in need of particular attention but the arrival of Cronje, alongside last week’s capture of All Black lock Simon Maling, would solve their problems and provide them with two quality operators in the engine room.

Quins chief executive Mark Evans said: “We have been looking for a big, physical, ball-carrying lock forward for a while now and Geo fits into all of those categories.

“I am very excited about what he will bring to the squad and I am confident that he will make a big impact in the Zurich Premiership.”

Cronje’s arrival would not be welcomed by all though as the three-cap international carries certain baggage following allegations he made racist comments directed 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.

Quins claim Cronje has been signed until the end of the season with the option to remain at The Stoop for a further 12 months. The November 5 Premiership clash with Wasps has been earmarked for his and Maling’s debuts.

Evans added: “His arrival, along with Simon Maling, will bring added competition for places within the team and I’m sure this will have a positive impact on our performances and results throughout the remainder of the season.”