Steyn back in the Shark Tank

Springbok star Francois Steyn has signed a three-year contract with his old team the Sharks after officially parting ways with Racing Metro.

Steyn first represented the Sharks as an 18-year-old in 2006 and recorded 56 caps and 147 points for the coastal team before leaving Durban for the French Top 14 in September 2009.

The talented utility back who is renowned for his booming boot and solid defence made his Test debut in 2009 and has won 47 Test caps since then, playing in every position in the backline except scrumhalf in his short career to date.

Sharks Commercial Manager for rugby Rudolf Straeuli commented: "I am pleased that we are able to assist SARU in bringing back international star players such as Steyn and have him back playing rugby at Kings Park. I am certain all our supporters will be delighted to see him wearing the black and white jersey once again."

Steyn will join the Sharks officially from July 1, which means he will be eligible to play the two Super Rugby games against the Bulls and Cheetahs before the play-offs start.

The Sharks CEO, Brian van Zyl said: "The present focus is on depth and ability to actively compete in every position in the squad so we are delighted to have Francois back with us to provide that strength in our backline, not to mention his accurate boot."

Sharks coach John Plumtree agreed that Steyn has much to contribute in terms of the team dynamic.

"It is great to have him back with us as we did miss him. He was definitely an influential player when he left and he will again be that, so it is fantastic to have him with the Sharks," he said.

The news of Steyn's return to South Africa means that he will almost certainly be named in the Springbok squad for the Test series against England in June, and many will be hoping that he picks up where he left off for the national team when he was sent home early during the World Cup last year due to injury.