Steyn sidesteps Springbok question

 

Steyn, who recently returned to the Sharks after a stint playing rugby in Japan, sensationally walked out on the Springboks in the middle of their June Test series – right before the game against Wales at Kings Park in Durban.

 

It soon emerged that the issue surrounding Steyn's walk-out was a financial one and reportedly related to promises made by SARU when the utility back returned to South Africa from France.

 

It seemed that the issue revolved around alleged unfulfilled deals regarding his image rights after his return.

 

It is alleged, by him, that SARU let him down personally and that the environment and the coaching setup at the Springboks was not the problem.

 

"The environment in the Springbok squad is fantastic and I would like to state categorically that my relationship with Heyneke Meyer, the rest of the management and my teammates is very good,” Steyn said on leaving the Boks back in June 2014.

On Thursday, in front of the media ahead of the Sharks' game against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, Steyn was again asked about his Springbok aspirations – especially with the World Cup only a few months away.

 

Steyn broached the issue very cautiously before diverting attention back to the Sharks' Super Rugby campaign.

 

“I’d like that [to play for the Springboks again],” he said with little conviction.

 

It was quite clear that the World Cup winner was not ready to discuss his future with the Springboks as he continued to talk about the Sharks and regaining his  own form.

 

“I just want to play well for the Sharks and build on my good form from last season,” he said.

 

“I still want to achieve a lot here, and hopefully I will have the time to do that.

 

“I’ve just been settling in with my wife and kids back here after Japan.

 

"I enjoy it here and this is my main focus, especially with the situation the team is in.

 

“The senior players and I need to put in a big performance over the next couple of weeks.“