Steven Sykes
Steven Sykes made his Currie Cup debut for the Natal Sharks in 2005 and by 2007, he had broken into their Super 14 squad. The departure of AJ Venter, Johan Ackerman and Albert vd Berg created an opportunity for Sykes to play regularly and the following 2 years, he developed his game and formed a strong second row partnership with Johann Muller. In 2009, his consistency for the Sharks was rewarded with a call up to the Springbok team to play against the British Lions in 3rd test match in Johannesburg.
In 2010, Sykes continued to prove his worth to the Sharks, playing a key role in their successful Currie Cup campaign.
In 2011, Sykes became frustrated at not being recognized at Springbok level and decided to accept an offer and sign a 3 year contract with the current Heineken Cup Champions, Leinster. On the announcement of his signing, Sykes expressed an interest in qualifying to represent Ireland at international level. There was some immediate reaction by press in South Africa that perhaps he might not qualify to represent Ireland on the basis that he had already been selected to play for the Springboks. Finally a decision was made that he is still eligible to represent another country.
Date of Birth: 05/08/84
Position: Lock
Height: 1.98m
Weight: 117kgs
Currently contracted to: Natal Sharks
International Honours: Springbok squad - third test v British
and
Irish Lions 2009.
News: Sykes: 'Sharks love that winning feeling'
Rugby Career
2012: Sharks (Super Rugby)2011: Sharks (Super Rugby), Leinster (Aviva Premiership)
2010: Sharks (Currie Cup Premier Division), The Sharks (Super 14)
2009: Sharks (Currie Cup Premier Division), Sharks (British & Irish Lions Tour), South Africa (British & Irish Lions Tour), Emerging Springboks (British & Irish Lions Tour), The Sharks (Super 14)
2008: The Sharks (Currie Cup Premier Division), Wildebeest (Vodacom Cup), The Sharks (Super 14)
2007: The Sharks (Currie Cup Premier Division), Wildebeest (Vodacom Cup), The Sharks (Super 14)
2006: The Sharks (Currie Cup Premier Division), Wildebeest (Vodacom Cup), The Sharks (Super 14)
2005: The Sharks (Currie Cup Premier Division), Natal (Under-21), Natal Wildebeest (Vodacom Cup)
2004: Kwa-Zulu Natal (Under-20), Natal Wildebeest (Vodacom Cup)
2003: Natal Sharks (under-20)
