TNA Reporter
The Southern Kings yesterday confirmed they have signed Sharks lock Steven Sykes on a two-year deal that will commence at the completion of this year’s Absa Currie Cup.
The 28 year old, who hails from Cradock in the Eastern Cape, returned to the Durban side in January after a stint with Irish club Leinster and although he has had a number of good runs, he has started feeling the heat from young guns like Pieter Steph du Toit.
His experience will nonetheless bolster the Kings who have been relying on Barend Pieterse to lead their pack. “Sykes is on board and we are delighted to have signed up a player of his calibre,” said Kings chief executive Anele Pamba.
“We have been keeping a close eye on him and we’ve finally concluded everything.
“He impressed us, hence we wasted no time in bringing him to Port Elizabeth.”
Sykes will now compete with Pieterse, former Lions and Cheetahs lock David Bullbring, Clint Newman and Bobby Dyer for a place in the Super Rugby side.
Other players that have been lured to the franchise next year include Western Province flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis and ex-Lions wing Michael Killian.
Kings president Cheeky Watson has in the meanwhile said they won’t be pushing the SA Rugby Union to prolong their Super Rugby stay to two years despite their window for contracting players being cut short because of red tape within the organisation.
Phamba said the Eastern Cape side was doing everything in their power to ensure they have a competitive squad.
“It is important that we tighten up all the departments, considering that we’ll be competing in the Super Rugby and getting Sykes is a good start,” Phamba said. – 701259
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Article source: http://www.thenewage.co.za/62077-19-53-Homeboy_Sykes_signs_for_Kings