Springbok makes a call on his future amid speculation of South African return
Jan Serfontein of Montpellier during Challenge Cup Final match between Leicester Tigers and Montpellier, at Twickenham Stadium on May 21 , 2021.
Springboks centre Jan Serfontein has reportedly made a decision over his future at Montpellier with his current contract expiring.
The 30-year-old has been linked with a return to South Africa, with reports in his home country stating that the Sharks were front runners to secure his services, while he has also been linked with a return to the Bulls.
However, they have seemingly lost out in the race for his signature.
Homecoming put on ice
Serfontein joined Montpellier back in 2017 and has since racked up over 100 appearances for the Top 14 outfit.
His current contract with the French side expires at the end of the 2023/24 season, and several reports suggest that he will leave the side to return to South Africa.
However, according to a report by L’Equipe, Serfontein has signed a one-year extension at Montpellier with the option of another season.
It is understood that the change in coaching staff at Montpellier, with Patrice Collazo coming in to replace Richard Cockerill after a poor start to the season, has played a significant role in Serfontein’s decision to extend his contact with the club.
The centre has been in stellar form for Montpellier despite the club’s poor results. He has played 11 games for the club this season, starting all of those matches. He was also nominated for January’s Top 14 Player of the Month.
During his time with Montpellier, he won the Challenge Cup in 2021 and the Top 14 title the following season.
While a return to South Africa looks to be off the cards at the moment, it is unclear whether his extension will still be valid if Montpellier are relegated to the Pro D2 next season.
The side has endured a poor start to the Top 14, winning just four of their opening 13 matches, and currently prop up the league table.
Serfontein has played 35 test matches for the Springboks, the last of which was against the All Blacks in 2017.
Sharks in the market for a midfielder
It’s a huge blow for the Sharks, who are looking to sign a replacement for Bordeaux-bound Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
The Durban-based side also saw former Wallabies centre Ben Tapuai depart the club at the start of the season; he also signed with Bordeaux.
Like Montpellier, the Sharks have had a poor start to their season, winning just one of their opening nine United Rugby Championship matches.
John Plumtree’s side did perform better in the Challenge Cup, winning three of their four matches to top Pool 1 and book their place in the play-offs.
Serfontein was also seen as an ideal addition to the Bulls’ backline.
READ MORE: ‘You cannot simply tackle lower’ – Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus on new tackle laws
