Former Springbok Ivan van Zyl is reportedly set to join the Sharks from Saracens to fill the void left by Grant Williams. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Former Bulls and Springbok scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl will have a new home at Kings Park, according to a source at the Sharks.
In June, the Sharks say farewell to the long-serving Grant Williams, who came to Durban straight out of school in the Western Cape and first made a name for himself in club rugby. Williams is taking up a lucrative position at a Japanese club.
The Sharks need to replace Williams because it is likely that Jaden Hendrikse will feature for the Springboks at some stage this year and next year. The Bok itinerary is congested, and coach Rassie Erasmus will want to rotate his players.
The 30-year-old Van Zyl has enjoyed an impressive four-year stint at Saracens in London. He moved to the top English club after six years at the Bulls.
A product of Affies in Pretoria, Van Zyl came through the age group ranks at the Bulls, where he was mentored by Springbok legend Fourie du Preez.
In 2018, in Rassie Erasmus’s first year in charge of the Springboks, Van Zyl played six Test matches after making his international debut in the unfortunate friendly against Wales in Washington. His last appearance was also against Wales, in Cardiff, also a defeat.
The Sharks have back-up scrumhalves in Bradley Davids, Ross Braude, and Tiaan Fourie, but there is not much experience there.
Van Zyl has been successful at Saracens and recently had his contract extended. However, this is not expected to be a problem for the Sharks as they have a twinning agreement with the London club, and Van Zyl is expected to be released.
* Mike Greenaway is a senior rugby reporter at Independent Media and contributor on our Last World on Rugby podcast on our YouTube channel, The Clutch