Cardiff snatch Sharks' Test international
TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks’ backline stocks took another blow following the departure of a backline player to United Rugby Championship rival Cardiff.
Namibian international Le Roux Malan will exit the Sharks at the conclusion of the current URC season to join Corniel van Zyl’s team.
Malan made eight appearances for the Sharks this season, filling in for Lukhanyo Am, who departed midway through the season to ply his trade with the Dynaboars in the Japan Rugby League One competition.
The former Hawke’s Bay player shared his excitement to join the Welsh outfit, highlighting Van Zyl’s long-term project with the club as one of the draw cards for the move.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Cardiff,” Malan said. “I have always wanted to play my rugby abroad, especially in the UK, so I am excited for the opportunity to learn a new style.
“I’m also someone who really values different cultures and embracing it, so I can’t wait to meet the Welsh people and form part of the club.
“From what I have heard, the people are extremely humble, hard-working and friendly, and those are qualities that I value and try to carry in my life.
“Also knowing the strong history of the club, seeing the upward trend in the last couple of years and hearing about the project, I am so excited to play my part.
“The project that Corniel [van Zyl] laid out is something that excites me. It is something I feel I can add value to, but I also believe I can learn and grow as a player and a human as well.
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Malan also highlighted the prospect of making the Arms Park his new home.
“Playing at the Arms Park is going to be very cool. It is such an historical ground, and I can’t wait to represent the club.
“Cardiff is also a sports-mad city, which is something I am passionate about and looking forward to experiencing. I’ve also visited in the past, and it is a really beautiful place.
“So I’m just excited for this as an opportunity and to have such a life experience. I can’t wait to meet the boys, all the staff and of course the supporters. I’m so excited to get stuck in.”
Van Zyl added: “We are delighted to bring Le Roux to the Arms Park next season. He has really improved his all-round game over the last few seasons – he has put in some impressive performances for the Sharks since joining them in November and stood out against us a few weeks ago.
“It’s an area where we needed some more strength in depth. He’s a big, physical boy who has played international rugby and will push the standards, while he’s versatile enough to play No.13, No.12 and wing if needed.
“From watching him closely and speaking to people in South Africa, his work rate is one of his biggest strengths; he has brilliant ball skills, he can finish, and he can be physical.
“He has experienced the game around the world, going from Cape Town to the Sharks for three years and then to America, where he rotated seasons between the MLR [Major League Rugby] and the NPC [National Provincial Championship] in New Zealand.
“So he will be good for the environment, bringing that experience from other clubs. He is very keen to contribute to the culture and environment here, while testing himself somewhere new.”
With additional reporting by @Rugbypass
