Sport

New contract will allow Fleck to finish his career at Bath

Rugby Digest/Premiership:   Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck is to finish his career at Bath after agreeing a new two-year…

Thu Feb 17 2005 - 00:00

Rugby Digest/Premiership:  Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck is to finish his career at Bath after agreeing a new two-year contract which will keep him at the Recreation Ground until 2007.

Fleck arrived at the Zurich Premiership club in October 2003 but his appearances have been restricted by numerous injury setbacks, the latest of which was a calf injury which required surgery earlier this month. The former Springbok has still been a useful addition to the squad, however, with his powerful running and destructive tackling convincing club bosses he should be offered fresh terms.

Bath's season has been derailed by a mass of injuries in midfield while Mike Tindall's decision to join west country rivals Gloucester has underlined the importance of retaining a player of Fleck's ability.

Fleck said: "I believe that over the next couple of seasons there are some exciting times in store and I really do feel we have an excellent chance at winning some silverware. I'm extremely excited at being a part of it all."

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Fleck, who was capped 31 times by South Africa, admits his latest spell in the treatment room has been troublesome, but the 29-year-old hopes to be back in action within six weeks. He said: "The rehabilitation has been going well. Hopefully now that I have had the operation I will be back on the field in around five to six weeks, so I am very excited to get out there again."

Fleck could find himself playing alongside flyhalf Ramiro Pez after the former Italian international was signed until the end of the season as cover for Chris Malone.

Meanwhile, backrow prospect Andy Beattie will be out for the rest of the season after breaking a leg and suffering ankle ligament damage while on England A duty last Friday.

LEINSTER SCHOOLS: The dates and times of the Leinster Schools' Senior Cup semi-finals have been confirmed. Belvedere College will play St Mary's College at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday, March 2nd, at 4 p.m.

At the same venue on Thursday, March 3rd, St Gerard's School, Bray, will play Blackrock College, also at 4 p.m. The final will take place on Thursday, March 17th at Lansdowne Road at 3.30 p.m.

CELTIC LEAGUE: Leinster's Eric Miller has picked up the Celtic League player of the month award.

The back-row player was given the January award following his strong performances against Munster at Musgrave Park - where he scored a try - and against the Gwent Dragons at Lansdowne Road.