Sharks to gobble up Snyman

2006-03-15 07:25

John Bishop

Durban - Former Springbok centre Andre Snyman could be returning to the Sharks after the Super 14 competition.

Brian van Zyl, the Sharks CEO, has confirmed that Snyman could be on his way back to Durban after Springbok coach Jake White indicated he would be offering the big centre a World Cup contract.

Snyman has been in excellent form, playing on the wing, in a weak Leeds team in the English Premiership this season and White believes the Springboks need his experience at the World Cup in France next year.

"Yes, SA Rugby have asked us if we can accommodate Andre," Van Zyl told The Witness. "We have told them that we would definitely be interested in having him but we certainly haven't committed ourselves as yet."

Snyman's mother lives in Umhlanga and the muscular centre is reportedly keen to return to Durban.

Add depth to the young backline

Certainly the 32-year-old Snyman would add further depth to the backline resources in Natal although coach Dick Muir has shown his determination to encourage the many talented young players in the province.

The Sharks, who have spent the past two days relaxing at a New Zealand resort in Queenstown on their Super 14 tour down under, will be back at training on Thursday ahead of their match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

Muir, who made seven changes ahead of the Brumbies game, is should field a similar team against the Highlanders.

There will be a new fullback, however, with Percy Montgomery having returned home, and the young JP Pietersen, who has arrived in New Zealand as a replacement, is expected to be rushed into action. The Highlanders have lost flyhalf Nick Evans to a shoulder injury.

Saturday's match kicks off at 08:35 (SA time).

- The Witness