Sykes returns to Sharks

After a short stint at Leinster, World Artists' Steven Sykes has opted to re-join the Sharks ahead of their Super Rugby campaign.

The 27-year-old second rower left the Durban-based franchise at the end of last year's Super Rugby tournament to join Leinster but has chosen to reverse that decision and leave Ireland after a new opportunity arose at the Sharks.

Speaking to Sharksworld from Dublin, Sykes confirmed that he “can’t wait to pull on the black and white jersey again and experience that special vibe at Kings Park. There’s no other place like it.

“When I got the opportunity to come and play for Leinster, I really jumped at it and it’s been great to experience different cultures and rugby in all sort of different conditions. I always knew that I’d want to come back to the Sharks, of course, but I didn’t realise that I’d miss them quite so badly. When the chance came to join them again, I grabbed it with both hands and just can’t wait to get back there and contribute.

“I’ve been speaking to Plum and he tells me what an exciting squad they’ve got this year and how hard everyone is working. There are some amazing young locks in Anton Bresler and Jandre Marais, along with the older hands like Alistair Hargreaves and Ross Skeate – it’s going to be great playing with those guys and I know how hard it’s going to be competing with them for selection.”

The one-year deal will see Sykes re-join the squad ahead of Super Rugby kick- off. He will arrive in Durban for pre-season training as of Monday.