Rugby Union: Teichmann targeted

GARY TEICHMANN, the sacked Springbok captain has been offered over pounds 250,000 to join Newport. He has met Newport officials in Wales and may sign a two-year contract. The propsoed deal would put Teichmann among Welsh rugby's highest earners.

He said yesterday: "I came to have a look at Newport and meet the people in charge. I've been very impressed with what I have seen because it's a club which is going places."

Newport have already recruited Welsh internationals Shane Howarth, Peter Rogers and David Llewellyn, in addition to South African Super 12 centre Andy Marinos and Fijian lock Simon Raiwalui, this summer.

They have also held talks with Teichmann's ex-Springbok colleague Franco Smith, and further signings are anticipated before Newport kick off the new season against Cardiff on 4 September. Teichmann added: "I am aware of the players Newport have signed, but you cannot go in blindly. I have to think about it and speak to the Natal Rugby Union,"

A fortnight ago, the 32-year-old was preparing to lead South Africa's World Cup defence. But Tri-Nations defeats against New Zealand and Australia saw him removed by the coach, Nick Mallett, who handed scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen the reins and left Teichmann sweating over a previously cast-iron World Cup place.

He said: "I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. But these things happen, especially in South African rugby, and you've got to accept them and just get on with it."

Teichmann is also a target for English Premiership clubs, although London Irish have dismissed reports linking them with him.