Steyn links up with Boks

Frans Steyn joined the Springbok squad at their training camp in Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday.

Steyn was named in Bok coach Allister Coetzee's initial squad last Tuesday for the three-match series against France in June, but the utility back couldn’t attend the camp from the first day as he played for the Barbarians against England at Twickenham over the weekend.

'Coach Allister and I had a good chat and he told me I can still make a contribution towards the Springboks, while I told him I would do my best for the team when I join them,’ said Steyn upon his arrival. ‘I am looking forward to getting to know the squad members a bit better during the next couple of days.’

WATCH: Springbok jersey launch

Coetzee worked with Steyn in the build-up to and during the Boks’ successful World Cup campaign in 2007 and says he is looking forward to do so again.

‘Frans comes with a wealth of experience and I am delighted that he has joined us as we continue with our preparations for the French series. With so many new faces in the squad’s backline it really is a huge bonus to have a player of the calibre of Frans joining us,’ Coetzee explained.

The 30-year-old Steyn, who plays for French club Montpellier, reached his 50th Test cap against Argentina during the Rugby Championship in 2012, and has represented South Africa in 53 Tests and three non-cap internationals.

Photo: Luke Walker/Gallo Images

Post by

Mariette Adams