South African loose forward Lubabalo ‘Tera’ Mtembu joined U.S. Major League Rugby outfit New England Free Jacks from the Cell C Sharks on a three-year contract.
Mtembu, who has been with the Sharks for a decade, will join his new club in December.
The 29-year-old made more than 40 appearances in both Super Rugby and the Currie Cup for the Sharks. He also captained both teams at different times during his stay in Durban.
Mtembu has also represented the South African Under-20 team and the National Sevens side both in 2010.
Mtembu told South African publication Sport24 that he wanted to maximize his career as a rugby player and be part of the rugby growth in the United States.
“I’ll be joining the Free Jacks as a player and doing some coaching on the side. I’ll be helping out at the academy as well. It’s a massive opportunity and I couldn’t let it slip. I cannot wait.”
He added that it was a tough decision to leave the team as he has practically played for the Sharks for his entire professional career.
“This is basically the second contract I have signed. I know I have extended contracts at the Sharks, but this is like the second team I have signed for since leaving high school. So it’s that feeling of excitement.”
Free Jacks performance manager Ton Kindley described Mtembu as a “proven leader and key contributor” who will be “a tremendous asset on the field”.
“With the ability to play across the back row, jump in the lineout and create havoc off the back of the scrum, Tera is a versatile, top quality player that we are thrilled to welcome to New England. We are thankful to the Sharks for one of their finest sons and are excited to see Tera impart his knowledge and leadership to players and staff within the organisation and Junior Jacks academy development squads.”
The biggest name from South Africa to join the Major League Rugby was 2019 Rugby World Cup winner Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira. Mtawarira, a former Sharks player, signed for Washington-based Old Glory in December last year.
Former Cheetahs flanker Vince Jobo also plays in the league for New Orleans Gold.
