Super Rugby opens door for another Kings player

Super Rugby has opened the door for another Southern Kings player to be called up for a possible national selection. Last month Sergeal Petersen got the call that he was included in the South African u20 squad, this time round it is Demetri Catrakilis that's been called up to the Springbok training camp.  

Catrakilis described being called up to the Springbok training squad as being surreal. Catrakilis is one of eight players who did not make the first training camp, he will be joining the squad after this weekend's game against the Cheetahs.         

Catrakilis has been an real asset to the Kings with his accurate goal kicking and is currently 9th in the most points column with 107, joining fellow South Africans Morne Steyn on 163 Pat Lambie on 139 and Joe Petersen on 125 in the 2013 Super Rugby season so far. He has converted 13 of the Kings 21 tries, kicked 26 penalties and 1 drop goal.

 

“It’s a dream come true for me, it’s something I’ve been striving towards for the past two years, but ever since I’ve been a kid it’s been a dream of mine, and to eventually be here is a bit surreal,” said an elated Catrakilis.

“I’m satisfied with what I have done so far, I could always get better and that’s what I am looking to do,” he said.

After winning the Currie Cup for Western Province against the Sharks last year he signed a contract with the Southern Kings and moved to Port Elizabeth for the opportunity to play Super Rugby.

 

“It’s been really exciting, it is a really nice team, it’s a nice union and PE is a really beautiful place.”

Maybe an opportunity he would have missed out on if he stayed at Province.

The Springboks will play their first test against Italy on the 8th of June at Kings Park in Durban.

The full training squad: 

Forwards: Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Jannie du Plessis, Coenie Oosthuizen,Wiehahn Herbst, Adriaan Strauss, Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Eben Etzebeth, Flip van der Merwe, Juandré Kruger, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Marcell Coetzee, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Lappies Labuschagne, Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski.

Backs: Jano Vermaak, Francois Hougaard, Pat Lambie, Morné Steyn, Elton Jantjies, Demetri Catrakilis, Jean de Villiers, Juan de Jongh, Jan Serfontein, Robert Ebersohn, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Lwazi Mvovo, Raymond Rhule, Lionel Mapoe, Bjorn Basson, Gio Aplon, Zane Kirchner, Willie le Roux.