The injury to Butch James might just be the opening for Peter Grant to play flyhalf for the Boks on the Grand Slam tour at the end of the year.

It was confirmed this week that a shoulder injury has proved worse than expected for veteran Bath pivot James, almost certainly keeping him out of the Bok picture for a tour in which his experience of — and suitability to — British and Irish winter conditions would have been a very handy asset indeed.

That would have been especially so because the Boks intend resting incumbent No 10 Morne Steyn, among other overworked senior personnel, for the trip.

Precocious Absa Currie Cup talents Elton Jantjies and Patrick Lambie ought to be strongly in the running for squad selection if their current sparkling form continues, but the Bok brains trust will presumably want either (or both) of them to be accompanied by a much more senior figure in the key position as well.

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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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Check out this excellent try by English club Bath winger Joe Maddock. Butch James had a great game and started off the try with an excellent run and self-collected kick. Enjoy!

You can see even in the early days of Butch James at The Sharks that he was a monster tackler.