Aphiwe Dyantyi returns from four-year suspension, signs for Sharks

Former Springbok and Lions star Aphiwe Dyantyi has signed for the Sharks as he looks to return to rugby after a four-year absence.

Dyantyi was one of the most promising stars in South African rugby when he was hit with a four-year doping suspension for testing positive for three substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list.

The electric winger displayed great promise prior to his ban, earning 13 caps for the Springboks and scoring six tries.

One of his most memorable moments occurred during the 2018 Rugby Championship when he scored two tries in the Boks' historic 36-34 victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand.

Dyantyi was subsequently named World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.

But all that changed with his positive doping test in 2019, which robbed him of the opportunity to represent the Springboks at that year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Four years is a long time in rugby, but the 28-year-old Dyantyi feels he still has a lot to offer the game, and his quest to do just that will begin anew in Durban with the Sharks.

"I'm simply thrilled to be back, and I hope that everyone around me shares the same level of excitement to witness what I can bring to the team," Dyantyi said.

"My commitment is to give my best for the jersey. I have spent a considerable amount of time in Durban, and I've witnessed the significance of the Sharks to the people. I want to make a positive contribution to that legacy. I've seen the pride the fans have, and I aim to honor that through my actions on the field."

Dyantyi joins a Sharks side already brimming with Springbok talent as they look to usher in a new era under incoming coach John Plumtree.

He will be playing alongside other world-class talents like Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Grant Williams and Aphelele Fassi.