Maybe this will help clear up some of the assumptions expressed in all rugby circles in South Africa and elsewhere, people assume Steyn does not want to play for his country and who knows what else.

The article below thanks to The Mercury 

Frans Steyn says he is ready and available to play for the Springboks any time in the future. Whether he will be picked by coach Peter de Villiers, though, is another matter for a number of reasons.

Steyn, who is currently involved in pre-season training with his French club Racing Metro, has not featured for the Boks since their opening match of the season, against Wales in Cardiff on June 5.

A fallout between Steyn, his lawyer Gerrie Swart and Bok boss De Villiers – or rather, a breakdown in communication between the three – has resulted in the 23-year-old finding himself in limbo in France while the Bokshave plodded along in the Test arena this year.

While they beat Italy in two Tests and hammered France in Cape Town, the Boks have come horribly unstuck in the Tri-Nations, losing all three of their overseas matches.

Steyn’s continued absence from the squad has left rugby critics and former players perplexed. Many feel his experience, physicality, big boot and ‘x-factor’ are what the Boks need to help them get their international season back on track.

Speaking to The Star yesterday, the 2007 World Cup winner said he is always available to represent his country.

“Of course I want to play for the Boks … I’m available.

“I would love to make a contribution (to the team), but I also know that me playing here at Racing makes it difficult to get into the Bok team.”

Overseas-based players have found it difficult getting into the Bok team in recent years, but right now Butch James and BJ Botha are part of the set-up, while Jean de Villiers and CJ van der Linde have also featured while playing abroad.

Steyn and Joe van Niekerk, who is also based in France, played in Cardiff, but have been overlooked since.

Following the Test against Wales, Bok coach De Villiers stated that some of the Europe-based players were left out of the squad because they were not up to speed with the rest of the squad.

“If that’s the case, then so be it,” said Steyn.

It needs to be noted that the Test against Wales was played right at the end of the northern hemisphere season and many of the Europe-based players had already gone on holiday, Steyn included.

As much as Steyn wants to play for the Boks, calling him up for duty now may not be the wisest option – for the player and the team. He is busy with his pre-season and is not match fit, having last played two months ago.

Picking Steyn equates to asking the Boks to play a Test at the end of January when they are busy with pre-Super rugby training. They wouldn’t be sharp.

Steyn though, contrary to what many believe is the case, isn’t frustrated with his current situation.

“When I signed at Racing I knew what the policy was regarding overseas-based players. If I was going to be considered, it should have been from the word go, like the other guys (James, Botha, Van der Linde, De Villiers).

“All the best to them. I just want to play rugby. But if I get selected, I’m available in terms of my agreement with Racing and IRB regulations.”

Steyn’s contract with his French club runs until June 2012 and he says he’ll honour it, even if it means he has to sacrifice his Bok career until then.

“I knew what the deal was and besides, I’m happy here.”

The Bok squad for the home Tri-Nations matches will be announced this weekend.

This article was originally published on page 20 of The Star on August 05, 2010