Publications
Partners
Durban - The Sharks have announced the signing of former Springbok scrumhalf Michael Claassens.
Claassens, who currently plays for Toulon in the French Top 14, has signed on a two-year deal, the Sharks’ official website reports. He is expected to join the team as soon as his playing commitments in France have concluded.
Claassens, 32, played eight Tests for the Springboks between 2004 and 2007.
Meanwhile, the Sharks also announced that loose forward Jean Deysel, who has spent the past six months playing for Toyota Verbiltz in Japan, will be making a welcome return to the team for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Deysel - who to date has been capped an impressive 117 times for the Sharks - will join the squad immediately.
Commenting on these signings, Sharks CEO John Smit, said: “We all knew it was a tough decision for Jean to make when he departed last year, as his heart has always been with the Sharks. We were very sad to lose a player of his calibre and you can imagine our delight that this loyal servant of Sharks Rugby has agreed to return home.
“Aside from his playing attributes, he also brings experience and strong leadership to the team environment, which is off great benefit.
“Michael Claassens is an experienced scrumhalf who will add great value and depth to our squad as well as mentor our very talented young scrumhalves. He has been playing well for Toulon and we look forward to welcoming him to the black and white.”
The Sharks open their Super Rugby campaign at home against the Cheetahs on Saturday (kick-off 17:05).
