Steyn could be a play-off bolter
The Sharks have not given up hope that World Cup-winning Springbok Frans Steyn could feature in the Super Rugby play-offs later this month.
Sharks coach John Plumtree confirmed that they are "going through the process" in order to obtain permission for Steyn to be cleared.
This revelation follows in the wake of confirmation that the Stormers have failed in their bid to have Canadian loan player Jebb Sinclair cleared for the play-offs to cover for their growing loose forward injury list – which include Schalk Burger, Nick Koster, Duane Vermeulen and Nizaam Carr.
SANZAR this year closed a loophole that allowed the Stormers to bring in Bok hooker Schalk Brits from Saracens in England on short notice last year. He featured as loose forward cover in the semifinal loss to the Crusaders at Newlands.
Steyn would not meet the minimum number of leagues matches requirement and was only registered with the Durban outfit since July 1 – the SANZAR registration deadline for players to feature in the play-offs is April 1.
He only returned to the Sharks this month, after a three-year stint at Racing Metro in France.
However, the Sharks hope for special dispensation for the big Bok midfielder, who will have featured in all three their league matches since the competition resumed after the break for the June internationals.
The Sharks have problems in midfield, where Marius Joubert and Paul Jordaan are struggling with injuries, and are hoping to have Steyn cleared to play.
"It's all dependant on injuries," Plumtree said, when asked about the possibility of Steyn being available for the play-offs.
"Marius Joubert is struggling with a chronic ankle injury and Paul Jordaan has a hamstring injury, so at the moment we're pretty short in the midfield.
"We will go through that process… certainly if we can't get Paul fit."
