Morné’s French move no done deal
Springbok and Bulls flyhalf Morné Steyn says he has not received a formal offer from Top 14 club Stade Francais.
Reports earlier in the week suggested that Steyn’s reported move to the French club was a done deal and that the 28-year-old would link up with his new team after the conclusion of the Super Rugby season.
Steyn, however, has refuted the claims and announced that he has not received a contract from Stade Francais or made a final decision on his playing future yet.
“I’m still waiting for a contract and an offer because my contract [with the Bulls] expires at the end of the year,” Steyn told Ballz Radio.
“I haven’t signed anything or made a decision yet so we will have to wait and see what happens. I haven’t decided [to go overseas] 100 percent as I’m still waiting for the Bulls to make me an offer.”
Steyn relinquished his Springbok starting place last year as a result of poor form and with a wave of talented young playmakers like Johan Goosen, Pat Lambie, Elton Jantjies and Handré Pollard coming through the ranks, it was believed the 42-Test veteran would opt to see out his career abroad.
Steyn's agent, Johan van Greune, confirmed to Eyewitness News Sports that “talks are at an advanced stage between the parties over a three-year deal.”
However, Van Greune also clarified that "We're waiting for a pre-contract from Stade Francais.”
Steyn said there wasn’t a clear-cut reason behind his poor goal-kicking form last year and believes some much-needed rest and work with Bulls kicking coach Vlok Cilliers would see him return to his best.
“You can’t really put your finger on what the problem was but I think the rest I got in the off-season will do wonders for my kicking. I started kicking again with Vlok two weeks ago so I’m ready to go,” he said.
Steyn said the arrival of young players such as Baby Boks Pollard and 2012 IRB Junior Player of the Year Jan Serfontein has generated great excitement in the Bulls camp.
“We have a couple of young guys coming through like Jan Serfontein so we’re looking forward [to the season] and I think it’s going to be an exciting year for us.”
The Bulls kick-off their Super Rugby campaign with home fixtures against arch-rivals the Stormers and the Western Force before they embark on a demanding four-week tour of Australasia which will see them face the Blues, Crusaders, Reds and Brumbies.
Steyn conceded that the two-time Super Rugby champions have been dealt a challenging draw but he is optimistic that the team would return to Pretoria with a fair amount of log points.
“It’s a very tough tour for sure but we thrive on tours like that where not a lot of people give us a chance so hopefully we can do the same this year.”
