Sharks agree contract with van Straaten

Braam van Straaten is today reported to have agreed a one-year contract with Zurich Premiership title challengers Sale Sharks.

The South African star will quit his current club Leeds on June 1, an announcement that was made last month.

At the time, van Straaten said he would be returning to South Africa, where there was every possibility of him challenging for a place in the Springboks World Cup squad.

Those plans now appear to have been shelved though, with Sharks apparently stepping in and recruiting the 31-year-old fly-half or centre on a one-year deal, with the option of a further season.

“I was planning on going home (to South Africa), but I got a good offer from the Sharks. After chatting to my wife about it, we decided to stay,” said van Straaten.

Sharks coach Jim Mallinder added: “Braam has agreed to join us.

“But as yet, the paperwork hasn’t been finalised, so it would be unwise for me to comment too much at the moment,” Mallinder told www.planetrugby.com.

If the move is confirmed, van Straaten will have a key role to play for Sharks next season.

Sharks fly-half Charlie Hodgson has just started an anticipated six-month recuperation period from knee surgery, and if he recovers in time, then a place in England’s World Cup squad appears certain.

If he travels to Australia with England, Hodgson would not appear for his club until December next term, so van Straaten’s presence would be vital, given that several Zurich Premiership games will be played while the World Cup is taking place.