Veteran utility back Frans Steyn is eyeing the possibility of representing the Springboks at a fourth Rugby Word Cup in France later this year.
READ | Former Bok skipper Jean de Villiers hauls in alleged shoplifter in Paarl
Last year was an injury-plagued season for Steyn, who played just four Test matches as a knee injury prevented him from travelling with the Boks on their year-end tour to Europe.
He also missed the Cheetahs’ latest fixtures in the European Challenge Cup but has his sights set on being back for the round of 16.
In an interview with the BokSquad website, Steyn said his first priority was to get back to fitness and perform for the Cheetahs
After that, possible inclusion for the World Cup could be on the agenda for the 35-year-old. Steyn represented South Africa at the 2007, 2011 and 2019 World Cups.
He was a world champion at the 2007 and 2019 events.
“[The World Cup is] a long way away and I’m fully focused on the Cheetahs. I want to try and get into the team to play Toulon (in the European Challenge Cup playoffs) and then have a good Currie Cup,” Steyn said.
“I can’t say I’m going to the World Cup and this is what I’m going to do there, it doesn’t work like that. To be selected for the Springbok squad, you need to be on form, so I must play well for the Cheetahs.
“There are a lot of young guys who are playing well at the moment, and if they are better than me, I’m happy for them to go represent us at the World Cup and make us proud. But I’m going to give it my best shot.”
Steyn’s contract with the Cheetahs ends at the end of 2023 and he hinted he may hang up his boots.
“I think if this is a good year, then it might be my last,” he said.
ALSO READ | Rassie Erasmus set to release memoir on his life and rugby: ‘Very few people know the real me’