After some lengthy negotiations, Springbok captain and World Cup winning hooker John Smit has signed a contract with his former provincial outfit, the Sharks, for 2008 and 2009.

This was thanks to negotiations from influential third parties, the protagonists being Bismarck du Plessis and John Plumtree, who hold the World Cup hero in high regard.

"What can I say? He's a fantastic player, an outstanding leader. He's consistently been proven at top level and also amongst us, he's a mate which is the most important thing. Getting him back is great for the region and province," Plumtree told sharksrugby.co.za.

The return of the former Sharks hooker back to Durban clearly has implications now for Bismarck du Plessis, who spent a few years under the wing of Smit, this year emerging to show that he is one of the best hookers around.

"We've worked through a process with Bismarck which has been ongoing for the past five to six weeks, I've basically promised him game time, he'll get plenty.

"For his continued development, he's potentially one of best hookers in world, and will be a great Bok, so it is important for him to continue to play for the Sharks.

"There will be a fair amount of rotation, both understand that and it will be good for both of them. As long as both get their fair share of game time with the Sharks, it doesn't affect their chances of game time with the Boks.

"It's good for the squad, the team and us to have a guy like him here.

"Having both he and Bissy here makes us really strong up front. John is probably the best captain in the rugby world and Bismarck has some outstanding leadership qualities which will continue to grow playing alongside John," Plumtree added.

Burden set to grow

Current Sharks hooker Craig Burden looks to be conditioned in a similar manner - like Bismarck, he will learn at the foot of a player with the stature of Springbok captain. "Craig's development at hooker is ongoing," explained Plumtree.

"Throwing him into a situation to play top class rugby moving from wing to hooker is not easy and he will need protracted periods of play, he needs a campaign to get his teeth in. In saying that, we need three hookers," Plumtree concluded.

Smit will be available for the Sharks at the conclusion of the Tri-Nations, along with the rest of the Springboks, giving the tail-end of their Currie Cup campaign a boost come late August.

Sharks commercial manager Rudolf Straeuli explained that the whole process involved a new coach, managing of players and rotation and the future of young players.

"All those things came to mind, thus we had open discussions that included John Plumtree, John Smit, and Bismarck du Plessis.

"It's about depth in the squad, but also his leadership qualities rubbing off on others, like Johann Muller. He didn't want to go anywhere else; he's happiest in Durban," Straeuli added.

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