Worcester Warriors appoint former utility back Thinus Delport as recruitment consultant - Rugby
The 2011/12 Aviva Premiership’s newest entrants, Worcester Warriors, have acquired the services of former Warriors and Springboks utility back Thinus Delport in the role of recruitment consultant. Worcester based English rugby union club Warriors have confirmed
the appointment of Delport in a statement released on their website on Tuesday, July 19.
Worcester Warriors’ Managing Director, Charlie Little, has expressed his confidence on the abilities of Delport to deliver in his new role. He added that as a recruitment consultant, Delport will work with the management and coaching staff to identify core
values and characteristics required for Warrior players, which then will be followed by subsequent research and recruitment of the player.
Little added that Delport’s vast experience of coaching and playing at the international level, in Super Rugby, Championship and Premiership leagues makes him the right man for the job.
Worcester Warriors head coach Richard Hill has expressed his delight on the appointment of the Delport as a member of the clubs staff. Hill termed Delport as the right man to drive the club’s recruitment efforts to develop a strong squad and back-up players.
In replying to a question regarding the selection of Delport for the role, Hill replied, “We needed somebody who was highly respected, is extremely knowledgeable about players and is a fitting ambassador for the club. Thinus is that person and he will be
there to watch those players that are identified, to talk to the right people about them and ultimately meet the player to ensure it is the kind of person we want at the Warriors.”
Hill added that the recruitment in itself is a very specialised area and is not about just adding a player to the squad. He added that in order to develop a strong unit, one needs players with strong ambitions and high motivational and achievement levels
because such players take the club forward.
The 36-year-old Delport started his professional rugby union career with the South African Super Rugby franchise, Lions. He made his international debut for the Springboks in 2000.
For Springboks, Delport has made 18 international appearances and scored 15 points. In 2002, Delport left for the Northern Hemisphere as he joined a two-year deal with the English Premiership side Gloucester Rugby.
Port Elizabeth born Delport spent two seasons at Gloucester in which he made 22 appearances for them. In 2004, he joined the Worcester Warriors and he made approximately 110 appearances for Warriors in different domestic and European competition and scored
112 points.
Delport has expressed his excitement at joining the club in a new role with a new set of objectives. He said, “It's great to be part of the ambition of Worcester Warriors. I want to help reach the vision that the club has set out, both that of Cecil Duckworth
and Richard Hill and Phil Davies, in terms of the rugby goals.”
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