JJ Harmse

Pretoria – Frans Steyn will jet off to Paris later this week to join French club Racing Metro and will not be involved in the Sharks’ Currie Cup campaign.

“No, Frans is not coming back. It’s a pity. He showed in Hamilton again what an incredible contribution he can make in a game,” Sharks coach John Plumtree said after his side’s 29-23 win over the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

“I think it’s a pity that a player goes overseas so early in his career, but we have to respect his reasons. I would have liked to see him in a Sharks jersey for much longer.”

Steyn is expected at his new club on September 20 and is likely to make his home debut against Montpellier the following weekend.

Racing are coached by Pierre Berbizier and are second last on the log after three defeats.

Steyn will be relied upon for a big impact.

The youngster has already put in some remarkable performances for the Springboks and it is a pity that he is unlikely to be part of Bok coach Peter de Villiers’s plans for the World Cup in 2011.

Bok skipper John Smit said after the win in Hamilton that Steyn would be missed.

“He is not just a place kicker, but a rocket launcher. I told him beforehand that he had to make sure he is remembered after this Test. He really stamped his authority,” said Smit.

Utility back Steyn played 14 Tests at centre, 14 at fullback, three on the wing and five as flyhalf since making his debut against Ireland on November 11, 2006.

His 86 Test points include five tries, 14 penalties, three drop goals and five conversions. He played 36 Tests and two tour matches for South Africa, winning 29.