The Sharks welcomed Aphiwe Dyantyi to Kings Park on Tuesday and are eagerly anticipating the winger’s return to the field in August.
Dyantyi’s move to the Sharks was officially confirmed on Tuesday morning as the Springbok takes a significant step in his return to professional rugby, following a four-year suspension for the use of banned substances.
MORE: Dyantyi makes long-awaited return
During a press conference, Currie Cup captain Reniel Hugo confirmed that Dyantyi had already met his new teammates, who were delighted to welcome him to the Shark Tank.
“He has definitely learned lessons this whole period and he comes to the Sharks with a clean slate,” said Hugo.
“He will come out here and enjoy his rugby. They say you never know what you have until it’s gone, he had rugby and was in the Springboks and unfortunately made a mistake, and paid the price.
“So he will come here with lots of energy and big hunger. He will come here and inspire us to use every opportunity that comes our way. We met him today and he is really excited and looking forward to joining us. We will welcome him with open arms and let him do his job on the field for us.”
While Dyantyi will be able to start training, he won’t be available for Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final against the Pumas at Kings Park as his ban only ends in August.
Hugo said the Sharks were anticipating an aerial assault from the defending champions.
“They would want to come here and dominate the set-piece, their line-out, mauls and scrums. And with Tinus de Beer and Devon Williams, they have a really good kicking game.”
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