Powerhouse lured into Shark tank

One-Test Springbok Rohan Janse van Rensburg (right) has signed a three-year deal with the Durban-based Sharks.

The 27-year-old powerhouse midfielder has spent the last three years playing for the Sale Sharks in England and previously turned out for the Lions.

He played one Test for the Boks in 2016, on the out-bound tour at the end of the year against Wales – a Test the Springboks lost. He also previously played for the SA

Schools team in 2016 and the Junior Boks in 2013/14.

In a tweet sent out by the Sharks on Wednesday, they said: “Trading his northern fin for a southern fin. Welcoming the explosive backline general, Rohan Janse van Rensburg to #OurSharks family on a threeyear deal.”

The stocky centre has been a major hit at Sale. With a 109kg frame and standing 1.85m tall, Janse van Rensburg is considered an “explosive” player in the midfield.

While at the Lions, he played 39 games at Super Rugby level during the team’s successful run to three consecutive Super Rugby finals and formed a potent partnership with Lionel Mapoe (now with the Bulls). He also played alongside Harold Vorster, who is also a Bulls man nowadays.

The Sharks have been on the hunt for a specialist centre ever since Andre Esterhuizen departed for Harlequins.

They will be hoping Janse van Rensburg can combine well with World Cup-winning No 13 Lukhanyo Am, who is set for a return to Durban from Japan.