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Racing-Métro and Springbok utility back Francois Steyn will not be available for South Africa until after their first November Test against Ireland on Saturday.
The Boks' end-of-year tour opener at the rebuilt Landsdowne Road stadium falls outside the IRB Test window, meaning the Racing are under no obligation to release Steyn, who does not a have Springbok contract.
The French club, who lie third in the Top 14 standings play lowly Agen on Thursday with Steyn almost certain to feature in the starting line-up.
The World Cup-winner's absence leaves the Springboks with a headache in midfield after Juan de Jongh was withdrawn from the squad on Monday with an ankle injury.
The Western Province centre joins Jaque Fourie, Wynand Olivier on the list of enforced absentees with team-mate Jean de Villiers also struggling with an injury sustained in the Currie Cup Final.
Coach Peter de Villiers has called Adrian Jacobs into the squad, but the Sharks centre has not played competitive rugby in months.
Could this mean a surprise starting berth for rising Sharks star Patrick Lambie?
The Springbok to face Ireland will be named on Thursday.
Comments
dclp says...
@5Lock4ward...
Fair enough, but as we get deeper into the pro-era you must remember that these guys have roughly 10 years to make as much money as they can and unfortunately they are now choosing money over national pride.
No doubt Racing pay Frans a lot more than the Springboks/Sharks were, that's why he went and I'm sure when he looks back on it he'll be happy with himself. He'll retire rich with a World Cup winners medal...not bad hey!!
If someone told me to ditch my current job and take a new one for twice the pay I would. There's a damn good reason loads of the All Blacks aren't playing for Pacific Islander teams :-)
Posted 00:15 03rd November 2010
Rolf says...
conspirancy?
Posted 20:51 01st November 2010
5Lock4ward says...
This is why I think players should just stay in their own country to play. When Steyn left SA, he knew he was good enough to be one of the players to remain in contention for Bok caps although not playing domestically. Now b/c of contractual nit-picking he loses out. This wouldn't have happened if he was still playing in Durban.
Posted 20:11 01st November 2010