Jean Deysel

Michael Claassens

The Cell C Sharks announced that loose-forward Jean Deysel, who has spent the past 6 months playing for Toyota Verbiltz in Japan, will be making a welcome return to the Cell C Sharks for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

Deysel who to date has been capped an impressive 117 times for the Cell C Sharks, will join the squad immediately.

South African born scrum-half, Michael Claassens, who currently plays for Toulon in the French Top 14, has also been signed on a 2-year deal. He is expected to join the team as soon as his playing commitments in France have concluded.

Commenting on these signings, The Sharks CEO John Smit, said: “We all knew it was a tough decision for Jean to make when he departed last year, as his heart has always been with The Sharks. We were very sad to lose a player of his calibre and you can imagine our delight that this loyal servant of Sharks Rugby has agreed to return home.

“Aside from his playing attributes, he also brings experience and strong leadership to the team environment, which is off great benefit.

“Michael Claassens is an experienced scrumhalf who will add great value and depth to our squad as well as mentor our very talented young scrumhalves. He has been playing well for Toulon and we look forward to welcoming him to the black and white.”

The Cell C Sharks Super Rugby campaign kicks off this Saturday, 14 February against the Toyota Cheetahs at Growthpoint Kings Park.

With it being Valentine’s Day, the Cell C Sharks decided that they will be spreading the love with a Buy 1 Get 1 free offer, so fans can show their love for the Cell C Sharks.

The Sharks will be forced to start their Super Rugby season with an understrength squad but will have most of the players who played against Toulon available to face the Cheetahs.

Springbok loose-forward Willem Alberts missed the trip to France and is only expected to start for the Sharks in the 2nd or 3rd Round, if he recovers from a hamstring injury he sustained in the pre-season.

Aside from Alberts, the Sharks have 3 players who are still in Japan completing their commitments in the knock-out stages.

Frans Steyn is looking trimmed down compared to last season but is still in Japan with JP Pietersen and Ryan Kankowski.

Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and flank Ettienne Oosthuizen who both left the field in Toulon are expected to play for the Sharks against the Cheetahs, as well as Bok tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis.