The Sharks have announced that Springbok captain John Smit, who has been playing for Clermont in France since the end of last year, has signed a contract with the franchise for 2008 and 2009. He will therefore be available for the Sharks in the latter stages of the Currie Cup competition.
The former Sharks captain had been without a provincial home since returning to the Springbok fold just before the first Test against Wales a month ago, and his name had been linked to a number of provincial unions.
The media release by the Sharks stated that the agreement between the two parties has now been finalised following protracted and lengthy negotiations.
”The parties involved in these negotiations included Bismarck du Plessis and John Plumtree, both of whom have the greatest respect for John Smit, and it was necessary for open and frank discussion,” the statement reads.
Du Plessis has been Smit’s understudy at both the Sharks and the Springboks, and will undoubtedly be affected as far as game time is concerned by the return of the former Sharks captain.
Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl explained: ”It is therefore pleasing to be able to finalise this matter and we believe that is certainly good news for all rugby supporters in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.” — Sapa