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No fairy tale end for Muller

Christo Buchner

Johannesburg – They'll be no fairy tale ending to lock Johann Muller's Sharks career.

“I feel depressed and irritated by the manner in which it has ended,” he said after breaking his arm against the Bulls. His Super 14 season ended prematurely with the injury.

The 30-year-old has therefore played his last game for the Sharks as he will be joining Irish club Ulster from next month.

He underwent an operation on Wednesday and is expected to be out for two months.

Muller admits that it is disappointing not to be able to run out in front of his home crowd one more time after 12 years at the Sharks.

“That is how life goes. Things don’t always work out the way you plan them,” the Bok lock sighed.

“It was incredible to be able to report for duty here as a 19-year-old and to have made such wonderful rugby memories,” added Muller, who made his Super rugby debut in 2003.

His big highlight was two years ago when he led the Sharks to their Currie Cup title two seasons ago.

“The Sharks were a big part of my life and are in my blood. I will always remain loyal to them and support the team for the rest of my life,” said Muller.

While he cannot contribute as a player in their remaining two games, Muller will remain in an advisory capacity. He will assist the coaching team with video and lineout sessions.

Muller concedes that the Bulls and Stormers are South Africa’s best two teams by far in this year’s Super 14.

He expects a tough derby between the Sharks and Stormers in Durban on Saturday.

“You can take it as a guarantee that the Sharks won’t make it easy for the Stormers,” said Muller.

The Sharks will have No 8 Ryan Kankowski back after he was out injured with a broken thumb for the last month.
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