Springboks centre Francois Steyn has rejoined the Sharks on a three-year contract from France’s Racing Metro and could feature in this year’s Super Rugby.

The Sharks said on Monday that Steyn’s deal will begin July 1, meaning he could be available for the final two rounds, though he won’t be allowed to feature in the playoffs.

Steyn has 47 caps for South Africa and was the youngest player to win the World Cup when he started in the 2007 final against England aged 20. He played for the Sharks from 2006-09 before leaving for France.

Sharks coach John Plumtree says “it is great to have him back with us as we did miss him. He was definitely an influential player when he left and he will again be that.”