Rugby: Sharks lose five-eighths on eve of Chiefs match

The Sharks' troubled Super 14 buildup worsened with news that five-eighths Steve Meyer has retired from rugby with immediate effect.

Sharks chief executive Brian van Zyl made the surprise announcement yesterday on the team's website that Meyer had retired because of personal reasons and had been released from his contract.

"Steve Meyer has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect," Van Zyl said. "Due to personal reasons, he has requested that the Sharks release him from his contract and will not be available this weekend." The Sharks had already been distracted in preparations for the tournament by a legal dispute concerning loose forward Willem Alberts and fullback Louis Ludik. Rival South African team the Lions claim to have the two players under contract.

Meyer, 25, was expected to start at first five-eighths tomorrow against the Chiefs in Durban and recently returned from a three-year spell with French club Perpignan.

Media reports in South Africa said Meyer appeared at Van Zyl's office with his father on Thursday to tell the Sharks chief executive that he did not want to continue with his rugby career. No details have yet been given as to the reason behind the decision.

In the absence of Meyer and injured Argentina No 10 Juan Martin Hernandez, Sharks coach John Plumtree has named the relatively inexperienced Monty Dumond at five-eighths. Plumtree also picked Alberts on the bench. A South African court is expected to make a judgment on whether Alberts and Ludik can play for the Sharks.

Springbok captain John Smit was named as skipper and will form part of an all-South African international front row alongside Bismarck du Plessis and Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira.

Springbok Ruan Pienaar is on the bench as he continues his recovery from pre-season surgery.

- AP