Fortuin handed Eagles Currie Cup captaincy

Bevin Fortuin will now officially captain the South Western District Eagles rugby team for the rest of the Currie Cup season, coach Johann Lerm said on Friday.

“Bevin was my stand-in captain while Rayno van der Merwe was recovering from his back injury.

“But with him (Van der Merwe) announcing his retirement from the game earlier in the week, Bevin is officially now our captain.

“Up to now he has done a great job as team leader and I have full confidence that Bevin will take us all the way this season,” Lerm said.

“They are real grinders and both of them showed that they are in a class of their own.

“Jody is a natural No 8 and looks set to make his debut against the Pumas at Witbank next Friday.

“This could pave the way for Schalk van der Merwe to move to No 7 flank.

“I really believe they will compliment each other well. Jody is very powerful, while Van der Merwe has a lot of speed,” Lerm said.