 Krige's Stormers career ended in controversy |
Northampton have secured the signing of former Springboks captain Corne Krige for the coming season. The controversial flanker will join up with Saints next month after securing an early release from his Currie Cup commitments with Western Province.
"Corne is a fantastic bloke with strong leadership qualities," said Saints coach Alan Solomons.
"He is a hard-nosed, abrasive flanker in the mould of Budge Pountney, and among the top open-sides in the world."
Krige's career with Super 12 side the Stormers, who Solomons used to coach, ended prematurely after he was banned for eight weeks for a head-butt.
Western Province agreed to release the 29-year-old before the end of the current Currie Cup season, meaning Krige will join Saints before their friendly against Edinburgh on 28 August. Krige has been a notorious figure in England since his antics during South Africa's record 53-3 defeat by England at Twickenham in 2002, when TV cameras highlighted several off-the-ball misdemeanours.
He also labelled England World Cup-winning skipper Martin Johnson "one of the dirtiest captains in world rugby" prior to the 2003 tournament.
Krige captained South Africa 18 times in his 39 Tests before retiring from international duty after last year's World Cup.
He was due to play in Britain for the Barbarians in May this year.
But Rugby Football Union disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett ruled Krige's suspension for his head-butt - handed out by Super 12 officials - should also extend to the Baa-Baas.
Northampton operations director John Steele is confident the player will be a big influence at Franklin's Gardens.
He said: "There has been much speculation and controversy surrounding this signing but I believe the proof of the player's ability and what he can offer the club will be seen after the first few matches of the season."
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I believe the proof of the player's ability will be seen after the first few matches of the season 