Hendré Stassen has his sights set firmly on the All Blacks.
The former Junior Springbok is set to return to South Africa after receiving approval from Brive to join the Sharks ahead of the Currie Cup.
The 28-year-old, who left the Stormers at the end of 2024, made the move to France in search of regular game time – a goal he achieved during his stint in the Pro D2.
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But his return now comes with a clear target: a shot at the All Blacks when they face the Sharks at Kings Park Stadium on 11 August as part of the Greatest Rivalry tour.
“Hendré hopes to help Brive win the Pro D2 title and then arrive at the Sharks on a high,” a source told Netwerk24.
“He has achieved what he wanted at Brive. Hendré is returning because he wants to play against the All Blacks and also wants to compete in the URC, which is at a higher level than Pro D2, although the French league is very physical.”
Stassen’s journey back to South African rugby has not been straightforward.
After spells in France with Brive and Stade Français, he served a four-year ban following a positive test in 2019 before being handed a lifeline by John Dobson at the Stormers in 2023.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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