Sharks bring Smit home

Balancing act: Smit and Bismarck du Plessis will share the number two shirt

The Sharks have confirmed that South African captain John Smit has signed a two-year deal with the Durban-based franchise.

Smit returns to the Sharks having spent the last season playing for Clermont in the French top 14, although his contract expired last weekend after the tournament final.

And now after lengthy negotiations Smit has agreed terms with the Sharks and will return to Durban in time for next season.

The contract talks also involved Bismarck du Plessis, who had been promised the Sharks number two jersey after Smit left at the end of the World Cup, and coach John Plumtree.

"What can I say? He's a fantastic player, an outstanding leader, he's consistently been proven at top level and also amongst us, he's a mate which is the most important thing. Getting him back is great for the region and province," said Plumtree.

"We've worked through a process with Bismarck which has been ongoing for the past five to six weeks, I've basically promised him game time, he'll get plenty. For his continued development, he's potentially one of best hookers in world, and will be a great Bok, so it is important for him to continue to play for the Sharks.

"There will be a fair amount of rotation, both understand that and it will be good for both of them."

There was a concern over the Sharks having both of South Africa's leading hookers, although Plumtree revealed that Peter de Villiers was happy with that situation.

"As long as both get their fair share of game time with the Sharks, it doesn't affect their chances of game time with the Boks," Plumtree added.