Lock Steven Sykes looks set to become the latest Sharks player to leave the franchise to further his career overseas at the end of the current Super Rugby season.

Sport24

The 26-year-old Sykes was one of two players involved in Sunday’s historic first ever Super Rugby match to be played at Twickenham to be identified by the media in London as having signed to play for Irish club Leinster. The other was Crusaders reserve flyhalf Matt Berquist, who came on in the second half of his team’s 44-28 victory.

According to overseas website reports, Sykes has signed a three year deal with Leinster and intends qualifying to play for Ireland, which is where he believes his international future lies. Although the former South African under-19 player and Emerging Bok star was called into the Springbok squad as cover for the last test of the 2009 British and Irish Lions series, he was not capped by the Boks.

“For me I believe it is a good career and personal move. I want to play international rugby and it would be a fantastic honour to play for Ireland as well if it came about. Before any of that though I am really excited to play for Leinster,” said Sykes in an interview with Planet Rugby.

“Of course it was not an easy decision to make, I don’t for one second want anyone to think I am unhappy at the Sharks. I love the Sharks. I have played over 130 games for them and have loved every minute of it. However I believe that it will be very good for my rugby to make the move and I am looking forward to the experience of playing in European conditions.”

Other Sharks players who have left Durban for the northern hemisphere in recent years include Butch James (now returning to play for the Lions), Frans Steyn, Brad Barritt, BJ Botha, Johann Muller, Ruan Pienaar and Deon Carstens.