The Western Force from Australia have signed Andre Pretorius for their 2010 Super 14 campaign.

The 30-year-old sharpshooter was a member of the World Champion Springboks squad at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France and has compiled just shy of 650 points in Super Rugby for the Johannesburg-based Lions. 

His prolific point-scoring record ranks him seventh on the all-time list in Super Rugby, owing mainly to his radar-like right boot which has so far slotted over 200 goals at provincial level. 

Pretorius assumes the position of Welsh-bound prop Ben Castle in the team’s foreign import slot after eight seasons with the Lions. The creative playmaker’s attacking potency has also been proven on the game’s biggest stage, where he amassed 171 points in just 31 appearances for the Springboks after making his Test debut in 2002.

RugbyWA General Manager, Rugby, Mitch Hardy said Pretorius brings experience and leadership to the Western Force program.

“Andre has a complete range of skills but he also possess a lot of leadership qualities and is highly regarded in South African rugby for the quality of person he is off the field,” said Hardy.

“He’s a game breaker with significant international experience and he can control a game, which is exactly what we were looking for in a number ten.”

Pretorius said he was looking forward to an exciting new chapter in his career.

“This was one of the biggest decisions I have had to make in my professional career,” said Pretorius.

“My loyalty has always been with the Lions and the 11 years I spent here has been tremendous and they assisted me in becoming a Springbok. That’s what made this decision difficult.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to play for the Force. I believe that their structures and type of coaching can get me to perform at my optimal best. I will be surrounded by great players which makes it easy to focus only on what you have to do.”

“Having experience is one thing, using it to your advantage is another and that’s where I think the Coach (John Mitchell) will play a big role.”

Pretorius will join his new team in Perth at the completion of the South African Currie Cup season, where he plays for the Lions in his native Johannesburg.

The Currie Cup Final will be contested on October 31.

Source: planetrugby.com

Pic: supersport.co.za

Tags: andre pretorius, western force