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Cape Town - Sharks utility back Francois Steyn is set to play a season in Japan after this year's Super Rugby competition, Die Burger's website reports.
However, the SA Rugby Union (SARU) has given its assurance that Steyn will be available for next year's Rugby World Cup in England.
SARU CEO Jurie Roux said they have a long-term contract with Steyn, which runs until 2015, but it allows the player to discuss any possible changes he'd like to enforce.
"Frans didn't want to engage in any negotiations without our consent and because of the unique circumstances we allowed it. We have the assurance that he'll be available for the World Cup," said Roux.
However, the new deal would in all likelihood see Steyn miss this year's Rugby Championship, but be available for the year-end tour to Europe.
He'll then return to play Super Rugby for the Sharks next year.
Steyn is at flyhalf for the Sharks' first Super Rugby tour match against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.
CLICK HERE to see the action unfold.
However, the SA Rugby Union (SARU) has given its assurance that Steyn will be available for next year's Rugby World Cup in England.
SARU CEO Jurie Roux said they have a long-term contract with Steyn, which runs until 2015, but it allows the player to discuss any possible changes he'd like to enforce.
"Frans didn't want to engage in any negotiations without our consent and because of the unique circumstances we allowed it. We have the assurance that he'll be available for the World Cup," said Roux.
However, the new deal would in all likelihood see Steyn miss this year's Rugby Championship, but be available for the year-end tour to Europe.
He'll then return to play Super Rugby for the Sharks next year.
Steyn is at flyhalf for the Sharks' first Super Rugby tour match against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.
CLICK HERE to see the action unfold.
