Kanko joins Sharks' elite

 

The  tall, strong, yet pacey and skilled No.8 recently returned from a stint in Japan to pick up his 99th cap last weekend in the loss against the Bulls.

 

On Saturday he will run out in his 100th Super Rugby game for the Sharks along side captain Bismarck du Plessis, JP Pietersen, Willem Alberts and Odwa Ndungane.

 

Kankowski began his career in 2006 with the Sharks and has stuck with the Durban-based team throughout, bar his few seasons in Japan since 2012.

 

The former St Andrews pupil was first selected to represent South Africa during the Springboks' 2007 year-end tour to Wales and England.

 

He made a try-scoring Test debut on the tour as a substitute during the Springbok's 34–12 victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium on November 24, 2007.

 

2008 was Kankowski's break-out year as he was nominated for the SA Rugby Player of the Year and Currie Cup Player of the Year as well as winning the Super 14 South African Player of the Year.

 

Kankowski's coach at the Sharks, Gary Gold, said that the impressive milestone had almost snuck up on them.

 

"I can't believe that Ryan has already go to 100 caps, it is incredible, he has had a fantastic run here at the Sharks," Gold said.

 

"There are a group of players here at the moment who have a huge number of caps – the brothers [Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis – 122 and 135 caps respectively], Fansie [Frans Steyn – 88 caps] JP [Pietersen – 112] and now Ryan who moves into quite an exclusive club here."

 

"I think he is very proud of the achievement too, he has had some mixed fortunes at international level but here, he has been a stalwart.

 

"I think he is a fantastic player and I am really happy for him and excited for him to achieve such a milestone, especially at a province he has played for his whole life.

 

"He is a good guy as well, so he deserves it."

 

Kankowski was thrown into the deep end when picked to start against the Bulls last week just after returning from Japan, however, he did not look out of sorts – even managing to score a try in the encounter.

 

"It has been good coming back," the No.8 said.

 

"The guys have got me up to speed with everything and I am just looking forward to the competition."