Springbok Van Rensburg returning to the Premiership

Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of Rohan Janse Van Rensburg from the Emirates Lions on a three-year deal.

Both clubs have agreed that Rohan can join Sale Sharks on a permanent basis after his successful loan spell with the club during the 2017/18 season. The player is contracted until November 2018 however the Lions have agreed to release him five months early.

The 23-year-old Springbok began his professional career with the Blue Bulls in 2013, making seven appearances and scoring four tries before moving to the Lions rugby set-up where he was a key figure for the Golden Lions in their Currie Cup campaigns.

A breakthrough season in 2016 saw Van Rensburg cross the line 10 times in just 17 games which drew the attention of the rugby world and, in particular, Steve Diamond.

Arriving at Sale in November on a short-term contract as cover for the injured Johnny Leota and Will Addison, Rohan made an instant impact, scoring 3 tries in 8 games. More importantly, the young Springbok added a much-needed physical presence to the Sharks backline.

On his return to South Africa he was quickly slotted into the Lions starting XV for the Super Rugby season, showing his versatility and power, playing on the wing before being side-lined with an ankle injury vs the Stormers in May.

Van Rensburg will be released from his Super Rugby contract to join up with Sale Sharks for Pre-Season in advance of the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership campaign.

Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond is very pleased to announce the signing, he said:

"I am delighted to have secured the services of Rohan for the next three years. He made a huge impact when he joined midway through last season and is another building block in our desire to be a top four team."

Rohan admitted the chance to link up with Sale and close friend Faf De Klerk was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down. He said:

"This was probably one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make so far in my career. However, having spent a short time with the Sharks last season, I know where the club wants to go and what everyone at Sale is building towards. It is something I definitely want to be a part of!

I’m looking forward to seeing everybody at Carrington and can’t wait to start working hard with the boys to make the club as strong as possible!"