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Cape Town - The Sharks have announced the signing of talented utility back Garth April from Western Province.
April, who can play either fullback or flyhalf, was a star for Durbanville-Bellville at the recent Community Cup club tournament, which they won after beating Rustenburg Impala 31-30 in the final earlier this month.
His performances earned him a call-up to the Western Province Vodacom Cup team, and he featured at fullback for them in their 21-14 win over Griquas last weekend.
But the Sharks have moved quickly to secure the talented 23-year-old’s services, announcing on their official website that they have signed him until the end of the 2016 season.
Meanwhile, a source from Western Province confirmed to Sport24 on Thursday that April had left the union without informing them.
The source said April had failed to pitch up for training this week and missed a meeting with Vodacom Cup coach John Dobson and Director of Rugby, Gert Smal.
As recently as last week, April was quoted as saying it was a "dream come true" to have received the call-up to the WP Vodacom Cup side.
Ironically, April is set to face Griquas again this weekend, after he was included at fullback for the Sharks XV’s clash against the defending champions at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg this Saturday.
"I am excited to have joined the Sharks,” said April.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for me and I am keen to learn and develop my game at this great union. I look forward to contributing positively in my first game this weekend.”
Sharks XV team to face Griquas:
15. Garth April, 14. Alcino Izaacs, 13. Paul Jordaan, 12. Marius Louw, 11. Tonderai Chavanga, 10. Cameron Wright, 9. Hanco Venter, 8. Johan Meyer, 7. Sias Keon 6. Khaya Majola, 5. JC Astle, 4. Johan du Toit, 3. Mthunzi Moloi, 2. Kyle Cooper (captain), 1. Barend Potgieter
Substitutes: 16. Andrew du Plessis, 17. Marne Coetzee, 18. Christiaan de Bruin, 19. Ayron Schramm, 20. Sandile Kubeka, 21. Tyler Fisher, 22. Charles Mayeza
