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The SMS Steyn sent to Japan to buck a recent South African trend
By Chris Jones
Double Springbok World Cup winner Frans Steyn has revealed why he bucked the recent trend by turning down the chance of a lucrative return to Japan to remain in South African domestic rugby with the Cheetahs.
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Not only does this set Steyn apart given the well-taken route to Japan in recent seasons and big-money contracts, but it also signals a welcome change of fortune for the Cheetahs who have been stripped of many of their leading stars following their exclusion from the latest version of the URC and Super Rugby.
The 35-year-old has become a firm favourite since arriving in Bloemfontein two years ago and is enjoying family life back in South Africa after his talents previously took him to Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus and also to France with Racing 92 and Montpellier.
Steyn has signed a contract extension until the end of 2023 and Sport24 have reported that he issued his decision by SMS. Steyn said: “I sent the Japanese clubs an SMS. I have nothing else to say. My choice has been made.
“My daughter starts with horse riding lessons on June 1. I had to find someone ready to teach her. I know absolutely nothing about horses. We all really enjoy it here. All the people are fantastic. More importantly, it’s nice building towards something special here at the Cheetahs and to be a part of it.
“A lot of the time, decisions are made that are not best for South African rugby”
– @fsteyn12 tells @JLyall93 ??? why things must change for @Springboks rugby to fully realise its value. Also beers with Prince Harry and coming home from @MHR_officiel https://t.co/yOXy255JCn— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 5, 2020
“To work somewhere and feel that there is a place for you to prove your worth speaks louder than words. It’s awesome for me to have a coffee daily with Ruan Pienaar and Aranos Coetzee and all the other guys I have gotten to know. If you accept an overseas offer now you have to uproot and start making acquaintances again. We are also keeping in consideration my retirement whenever that happens.”
The decision means that Steyn – who has played centre, fly-half, full-back and wing for his country – is handily placed if the Springboks want to use his talents in the three-match series with Wales this summer which includes a Test in Bloemfontein on July 9.
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He added: ”First we need to win the Currie Cup, then we can start worrying about other things. I haven’t even thought about the Boks yet. A title win here would be really special. I don’t care what people say about the Currie Cup. It’s still a great competition to play in.”
