Steenkamp loaned to Sharks

Pretoria - The Blue Bulls have released lock Wilhelm Steenkamp on loan to the Sharks for the remainder of the Super 14 competition.

Steenkamp, who has 19 Super Rugby caps, will return to his Pretoria base after completion of the competition.

He will again be available for selection for the Blue Bulls once the Currie Cup season starts.

According to the BBC’s business and high performance manager, Ian Schwartz, a request from the Sharks to utilize the services of Steenkamp, was granted and Steenkamp will join the coastal side immediately.

“Wilhelm will get playing time at the Sharks, which will not only benefit the player, but South African rugby as a whole,”

Schwartz said the Sharks are in need of a top class lock and they have released Steenkamp due to their depth in that position. "We have no doubt he will add value to the Sharks in their campaign,” he said.