Sharks and Bok fullback Curwin Bosch will be taking up a short-term deal in Japan for the remainder of the year. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

The 21-year-old featured at fullback in the first Test of the season against Wales on 2 June, but has not played for the Boks since then.

Upon his return to the Sharks, Bosch started predominantly at fullback throughout the Currie Cup, and enjoyed a solid performance in the final as the Durban-based side shocked Western Province at Newlands last Saturday.

The Sharks confirmed to SARugbymag.co.za on Thursday that he will now be heading to Japan for an off-season stint before returning to Durban at the beginning of next year to begin Super Rugby pre-season training.

It’s understood that Bosch will be joining the Munakata Sanix Blues along with Waratahs prop Paddy Ryan.

Bosch has struggled to find his best form this year, and it’s a move that he hopes will help enable him to rediscover some confidence in a new environment.

Sharks and Bok teammate André Esterhuizen is one player who has credited a stint in Japan as being key to certain improvements in his game that have ultimately seen him go on to feature prominently for the Boks this year.

Earlier this week it was also confirmed that Sharks flyhalf Rob du Preez would be heading to the Sale Sharks on a three-month deal.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images