Rugby
Steyn set to join Racing Metro
2009-03-12 07:20
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Liam del Carme - Beeld
Johannesburg - If rumours in France are to be believed, Springbok utility back Frans Steyn will join Racing Metro by the end of the year.
Racing Metro have been after Steyn for a while and it now appears Steyn will play for the club rather than the Sharks next year.
Steyn signed a contract of one year with SA Rugby, while his agreement with the Sharks expires this year. He will honour both contracts before joining Racing Metro.
Informed sources in France have indicated that Steyn has already signed for Racing Metro and will be available for at least one season in 2009/10.
Steyn will only join his club after the Springboks’ tour of Europe at the end of the year.
It is believed Steyn’s contract with Racing Metro is the same type of deal that All Black flyhalf Dan Carter signed with Perpignan.
Carter honoured all his All Black commitments before heading to France for a six-month stint.
There was a lot of speculation about Steyn’s future at the end of last year when it was decided that Ruan Pienaar would be the Sharks and Springbok flyhalf.
Steyn wanted to settle in one position after being picked in four positions for the Sharks last year.
The Sharks decided this year to let him settle at inside centre following Brad Barritt’s departure.
The 21-year-old held talks with Racing Metro last month.
While it is not clear how long the contract stretches and how much Steyn will be earning, sources in France maintain he will be on his way there.
Like Toulon before them, Racing Metro are trying to buy their way out of the Second Division into the Top 14.