Bath player Butch James will miss the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa and Frans Steyn will get his wish to flyhalf – but not in South Africa.

French media confirm that Steyn has signed for Paris-based second division side Racing Metro, who have virtually secured their place in the Top 14. The year-long deal is reported to be the most lucrative ever for a South African player. Steyn will make the move to Paris after the Springboks’ end of year tour.

His negotiations with Racing was the worst kept secret in South African rugby and in recent months it became increasingly likely that Steyn would agree a deal.

A month ago Sharks coach John Plumtree told keo.co.za they were desperate to hold onto Steyn, but he was resigned to the fact that they would never be able to match what Racing was offering.

Steyn will play primarily in his preferred position of flyhalf for Racing. With Ruan Pienaar injured, Steyn has had an extended run at pivot for the Sharks, but has failed to shatter the widely held perception that he is better suited to inside centre – where the Sharks and Springboks see his future. He appears to be hellbent on proving that he has the aptitude to play in the position, but this seems like an extreme way to make his point.

James limped off in Bath’s Premiership match at the weekend and scans has subsequently confirmed that he has torn ligaments in his knee. He will be sidelined for an extended period.

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On Friday, on the 100-day countdown to the British and Irish Lions Tour of South Africa, details of the second phase of match ticket sales will be announced.

Ticket sales to stadium season ticket and suite ticket holders – who were given first option – are virtually complete, allowing the second phase of sales to open to the general public shortly.

“We will announce all the details of what tickets are available at what price and how they can be purchased on Friday – precisely 100 days before the series kicks off,” said Andre Homan, SA Rugby’s project manager for the Lions tour.

“We made a commitment to our loyal supporters that they would have first option on tickets and the interest from them has been exceptional. The Test matches are obviously in high demand and there has been considerable uptake in Cape Town for their two non-Test matches.

“The impact has been that some matches have already been sold out but we will announce the details on Friday.”

Source: sarugby.co.za