Sharks journeyman heads to Bayonne

Sharks utility back Jacques-Louis Potgieter has reportedly been signed by French Top 14 side Bayonne, although the news is yet to be confirmed with the Durban-based outfit.

Potgieter, who can play at both flyhalf and centre, started his career with the Bulls in 2007 before moving to the Cheetahs in 2008. He spent two years with the Free State team before moving back to the Bulls in 2010 and, finally, signing for the Sharks at the start of the 2011 season.

However, the goal-kicking inside back battled to secure a starting spot in Durban last year with Springboks Pat Lambie and Meyer Bosman and French international Frederic Michalak blocking the way at No.10.

Sharks Commercial Director Rudolf Straeuli confirmed to this website that Potgieter had been released and was given permission to go to France to enter negotiations, but added that as far as he was aware he was yet to pass a medical at Bayonne.

Although the Sharks have not received offical word of Potgieter's contract with Bayonne, Straeuli said that he wished him all the best.

"Hopefully it works out for him," Straeuli told us.