Namibia's Le Roux Malan becomes latest international to exit Sharks

Sharks and Namibia centre Le Roux Malan will make the move to fellow United Rugby Championship outfit Cardiff at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old joined the Sharks in November from Hawke’s Bay, filling the void left by Lukhanyo Am’s move to Japan.

After eight appearances in Durban to date, he will now make the move to the northern hemisphere having caught the eye of Cardiff boss Corniel van Zyl when the two sides met in March.

The Namibian will be Cardiff’s first permanent signing ahead of next season.

The Sharks, meanwhile, are set to see another international leave the club, with Springboks Grant Williams and Siya Kolisi also moving on at the end of the season.

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“I’m really looking forward to joining Cardiff,” Malan said. “I have always wanted to play my rugby abroad, especially in the UK so I am excited for the opportunity to learn a new style. I’m also someone who really values different cultures and embracing it, so I can’t wait to meet the Welsh people and form part of the club.

“From what I have heard the people are extremely humble, hard-working and friendly and those are qualities that I value and try to carry in my life.

“Also knowing the strong history of the club, seeing the upward trend in the last couple of years and hearing about the project, I am so excited to play my part.

“The project that Corniel (van Zyl) laid out is something that excites me. It is something I feel I can add value to, but I also believe I can learn and grow as a player and a human as well.

“Playing at the Arms Park is going to be very cool. It is such an historical ground and I can’t wait to represent the club.

“Cardiff is also a sports mad city, that’s something I am passionate about and looking forward to experiencing, I’ve also visited in the past and it is really beautiful place.

“So I’m just excited for this as an opportunity and to have such a life experience. I can’t wait to meet the boys, all the staff and of course the supporters. I’m so excited to get stuck in.”

Van Zyl added: “We are delighted to bring Le Roux to the Arms Park next season. He has really improved his all-round game over the last few seasons – he has put in some impressive performances for the Sharks since joining them in November and stood out against us a few weeks ago.

“It’s an area where we needed some more strength in depth. He’s a big, physical boy, who has played international rugby and will push the standards, while he’s versatile enough to play 13, 12 and wing if needed.

“From watching him closely and speaking to people in South Africa, his work-rate is one of his biggest strengths, he has brilliant ball skills, he can finish and he can be physical.

“He has experienced the game around the world going from Cape Town to the Sharks for three years and then to America where rotated seasons between the MLR and the NPC in New Zealand.

“So he will be good for the environment, bringing that experience from other clubs. He is very keen to contribute to the culture and environment here, while testing himself somewhere new.”