The Ospreys today announced that Stefan Terblanche will return to Durban to play for the Sharks after Fridays Magners League match in Edinburgh.
Stefan is returning to his homeland and he has signed a one year contract to play for the Sharks in the ABSA Currie Cup and Super 14 competitions. He will be available to play in the Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Semi-final against The Bulls or The Lions on Saturday 13th October
Stefan joined the Ospreys during our first season in December 2003 after earning 37 South African caps. He will have played 87 times for the Ospreys by the time he returns home on Saturday
He returns to South Africa with our best wishes and thanks for his huge contribution to Ospreys Rugby, both on and off the field
Commenting on his move back to South Africa, Stefan said:
"â¬ÅThere have been so many highlights during my four years at the Ospreys. When I joined the region the Ospreys were just a name, a vision and a group of players. The organisation has now grown into one of the most professional outfits in world rugby with two Magners League titles, an EDF Energy Cup Final and beating the Aussies at the Liberty Stadium being the obvious highlights during my time at the region. There are so many other memories of my time in Wales that I will take back to South Africa but I will particularly remember the supporters and their passion for rugby in the region."â¬Â
"â¬ÅI have made a lot of friends in Wales and there are too many to mention individually but needless to say I will particularly miss my fellow players, the Coaches and staff at the Ospreys. The Ospreys have a large and growing fan base, a young talented squad of players, excellent facilities and a fantastic Stadium at the Liberty and I can only see the region going from strength to strength over the next few years. I am sure that the next four years will be even more successful than the last four."â¬Â
Head Coach Lyn Jones added:
"â¬ÅWe wish Stefan well on his leaving and thank him for his contribution to Ospreys Rugby over the last four years. Stefan is a true gent and he will be missed both on and off the field. During his time at the Ospreys he has shown his quality as an international rugby player and he has been great ambassador for South Africa. Whilst he is contracted with us through to the end of this season we respect his wish to return to South Africa to fulfill his unfinished ambitions with the Natal Sharks."â¬Â