Last week, in our segment looking at Springbok rugby players plying their trade abroad, we looked in on Butch James, this week, there have been talks of him making a hasty return to the Sharks and expressing interest in representing the Springboks at the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Brent Russell:

Brent Russell had mixed success during his time in the Springbok squad. His selection for the Springbok trials was unexpected, but his pace and fleet footedness left the opposition dazed and confused. Russell was voted as South Africa’s ‘Sevens Player of the Year’ award after having risen from relative obscurity at Western Province.

He literally blasted onto the scene in 2002 when he made his international debut against Wales in Bloemfontein, and shortly afterwards became know as the “pocket rocket” for his relatively small stature, rugby wise, and electrifying pace off the mark.

Brent Russell gained 23 Springboks test caps during his career in South Africa. He went on to make four appearances at flyhalf, seven at fullback, nine on the wing, and two at centre, before rounding off his full set in just his 16th appearance, by coming on as a replacement scrumhalf for the last 14 minutes against Wales in Cardiff, in November 2004.

(The only other player to have appeared in all possible positions in the backs is Ruan Pienaar)

Unfortunately for Russell, much like Pienaar, he was a victim of his own versatility and unique talent, often having to play off the bench and never really being afforded the opportunity to settle down and specialise in one position. He was ubruptly dropped from the Springbok squad after their los against France at Newlands in 2006.

Brent Russell has since been plying his trade at Clermont Auvergne, after a stint at South African English club, Saracens.

This is what Brent Russell has been up to: [top142009]

But is he needed?

For: There are few players in the modern era with the all-out pace and acceleration as Brent Russell has. He has the ability the create something out of absolutely nothing. He can step, at full pace, with the best of them and always leaves the opposition guessing when he has ball in hand. He is truly one of the most electrifying players to come out of South African rugby in recent years.

Against: The well used excuse about his size. Russell’s small stature works against him in regards with the South African style of play. The fact that the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup will be held on the wet fields of New Zealand, limiting the ability to play the type of game that Russell thrives on.

What are your views? Would you pick Brent Russell to be in your 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup squad?