Poitrenaud among Sharks signings

Editor

PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 09: PLAYER of Toulouse and PLAYER of RC Toulon in action during the French Top 14 Final match between Toulouse and RC Toulon at Stade de France on June 09, 2012 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

The Sharks have announced that former France full-back Clement Poitrenaud will join the union as one of six new signings.

The 34-year-old Poitrenaud (Toulouse) played 47 Tests for France and will add a wealth of experience to the Durban union. He will be joined by tighthead prop Enoch Mnyaka (EP Kings), flanker Jacques Vermeulen (Stormers) and centres Jeremy Ward (EP Kings), Johan Deysel (Namibia/Leopards) and Kobus van Wyk (Stormers).

Commenting on the new signings, new Sharks head coach Robert du Preez said: “The new players who have joined us will ensure that we have much needed depth in certain positions. We welcome them to our family and we look forward to their positive contributions going forward.

“Clement Poitrenaud brings with him a wealth of experience at both international and club level. He is a good acquisition for us and he will provide great mentorship and be a calming influence on the young and exciting, fullbacks in our team, who are relatively inexperienced.”

Du Preez added: “We have a young and exciting team who are building for the future. It’s a key focus area for us to retain the young talent in our squad, which will create continuity and stability with our vision going forward.”

The Sharks also announced that Wandile Mjekevu and Neil Maritz will be joining the Southern Kings on loan for Super Rugby in 2017.

The following players have extended their contracts with the Sharks:

Three years: Hyron Andrews, Mzamo Majola, Sibusiso Nkosi, Thomas du Toit

Two years: Andre Esterhuizen, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Curwin Bosch, Franco Marais, Jean Droste, John-Hubert Meyer, Marius Louw, Neil Maritz, Rhyno Smith, Stephan Lewies, Tristan Blewett

One year: Odwa Ndungane, Ruan Gouws