Townsend to join South African side

Scottish fly-half Gregor Townsend has agreed to join South African side The Sharks for the 2004 Super 12 season.

The 30-year-old international was brought in after Sharks coach Kevin Putt had failed to find a suitable number 10 in the South African provinces.

The Sharks need a back-up for first-choice Butch James as Herkie Kruger has been banned for two years after testing positive for the steroid nandrolone.

“Gregor’s signing does not reflect a lack of interest in the local scene, or that we didn’t look internally, but there is just nothing available,” said Putt.

“In the future we will certainly look within the system, but the time factor was against us.

“He has survived at the top of the game for so long that the players will learn a lot from him.

“He has been pulled in as support at number 10, but his versatility is his strong point.

“His tactical control of the game and his experience in different methods of play added to the fact that he can cover any of fly-half, inside and outside centre and full-back make him such an important factor.

“It comes down to his experience. What he brings to the team and that he has survived many years in the top echelons of rugby.”

Townsend has represented Scotland in 82 internationals, including two as captain, scoring 164 points.