Former Sharks flyhalf Inny Radebe has started training with Eastern Province and could be offered a contract if the Elephants are included in the Franchise Cup.
According to the HeraldLIVE website, the 26-year-old has arrived in Port Elizabeth for a short trial and new EP coach Peter de Villiers is excited having the pivot amongst his ranks.
The EP Elephants could participate in a new Franchise Cup tournament set to kick off in February.
Reports have claimed that SA Rugby was planning the tournament - slated to feature the four PRO16 franchises and the Cheetahs - as a way for Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber to keep his top players match-fit for the coming international season.
However, with the SA Cup - the qualifying mechanism for next season's Currie Cup - likely to be scrapped due to Covid-related logistical challenges, calls are reportedly growing for the Franchise Cup to be expanded to eight teams which would see EP participate.
"It is a sin in South African rugby that a guy like Inny isn't playing for a big union," De Villiers said. "He is one of those gifted players who we simply have to make space for, so for me it is a privilege to allow him to direct my backline.
"He understands precisely where the gaps in the defensive line are, and I think we have to give him an opportunity," the former Springbok mentor added.
According to Radebe, the move isn't a done deal yet but he was happy to be afforded the opportunity.
"I am training with the team and I am strongly considering staying here," Radebe said.
Radebe was a star at schoolboy level and represented the Golden Lions at the 2013 U18 Craven Week.
He joined the Sharks after school and played for the UKZN Impi and Sharks Under-19 team.
Radebe made his senior breakthrough in 2016 and earned his first Super Rugby cap in 2017.
However, he then suffered a knee meniscus tear, which halted his development and he struggled for game time at the Sharks and was without a union contract at the end of 2019, which forced him to resort to club rugby to keep fit.
- Compiled by Sport24 staff
23 
