Skinstad signs with Sharks

2006-12-13 22:02

John Bishop

Pietermaritzburg - Bob Skinstad, the charismatic former Springbok captain, has signed with the Sharks and will arrive in Durban on Thursday.

The 30-year-old Skinstad has been based in England, playing club rugby for Richmond, but he hopes to play his way into the Sharks Super 14 side on his way to selection for the World Cup in France next year.

His signing was welcomed by a delighted Dick Muir.

"It is absolutely fantastic news," said the Sharks coach late on Wednesday. "He is a great asset, a wonderful chap, a born leader and a unique athlete. He will be a real asset to the Sharks."

Muir said that Skinstad, who captained the Springboks on 10 occasions, had overcome the knee, shoulder and arm injuries which severely curtailed his international career.

"He has been playing in England and the conditioning reports we have received have all been positive. He will have a medical here but I have no doubt he is fit. I know that he is raring to go.

He wants desperately to play for the Sharks and he wants to go to the World Cup."

Expected to join the Sharks at training

Skinstad, a product of Hilton College and Highbury, flies in from London on Thursday morning and is expected to join the Sharks at training later in the day.

Skinstad played alongside Dick Muir for Western Province and his respect for the Sharks coach was one of the reasons for returning to the province of his birth.

"Not for one moment do I believe that making the Sharks Super 14 team will be a cakewalk," said Skinstad before leaving London.

"If I'm to run on to the park, I will have to really go some to oust the incumbent Sharks players. But I'm determined to make an impact as a team player."

Skinstad has always wanted to return to King's Park to play his rugby.

"I always said I would eventually come back to the Sharks but for a while I thought it might not happen. Now the stars have aligned and I am motivated, enthusiastic and thankful for the opportunity."

Skinstad's parents live in Westville and the talented loose forward will settle in Durban with his wife and baby girl.

"I have taken a major decision to leave the day-to-day running of Esportif (his own sports management company in London) while I pursue my dream. I have the total support of my family and business partners and I look forward to the challenges."

Prove a major attraction

Brian van Zyl, the Sharks CEO, said he was confident Skinstad "will make a huge impact" both with the Sharks and with the Springboks."

Skinstad, who stands 1.93m and weighs 104kg, is a gifted, attacking rugby player with sublime ball-handling skills and he should prove a major attraction at King's Park.

He attended Stellenbosch University after leaving Hilton College, played for South Africa at all levels and made his Test debut in 1997. He damaged a knee in a late night motor accident in 1999 but was, controversially and when less than match fit, selected ahead of Bok captain Gary Teichmann by Nick Mallett for the 1999 World Cup.

A recurrence of the knee injury, a damaged shoulder and then a broken arm derailed his blossoming Springbok career, limiting his Bok career to 34 matches in six years, His last Test was in 2003 when he was 26.

- The Witness