Schmidt continues to build for the future

Rugby:With Nathan Hines due to depart the province during the summer, Leinster have moved swiftly to bolster their options in the second row by bringing in South Africa's Steven Sykes on a three-year-deal.

Hines heads back to France at the end of the current season, after agreeing a deal with Clermont-Auvergne. Having made a huge impact since his arrival from Perpignan two year’s ago, it is hoped the Scottish international’s loss will be offset by the capture of the 26-year-old Sykes.

Capped at underage level and for the Emerging Springboks, Sykes was named on the bench for South Africa during the final test of the British & Irish Lions tour in 2009 but remains uncapped for the senior side.

With that in mind, the Natal Sharks lock has even floated the possibility of representing Ireland at some stage in the future should he qualify via the residency route.

“For me, I believe it is a good career and personal move,” he said today. “I want to play international rugby and it would be a fantastic honour to play for Ireland as well if it came about.

“Before any of that, though, I am really excited to play for Leinster. I really do believe it is the right move for me.”

A mainstay of the Sharks engine room in both the Super 15 and Currie Cup, Sykes admitted it was a wrench to leave Kings Park in Durban but is now relishing a fresh challenge.

“Of course it was not an easy decision to make,” he conceded. “I don’t for one second want anyone to think I am unhappy here or unhappy at the Sharks. I love the Sharks. I have played over 130 games and loved every minute of it.

“I remember sitting down after I signed the Leinster contract and reflecting on it – it is obviously a massive decision to make. I do believe 100 per cent it is the right choice for me.”

Second in the Magners League and with a Heineken Cup quarter-final looming large on the horizon, there is plenty still to play for this season for Leinster but Joe Schmidt continues to strengthen his squad as he looks to the new campaign.

Aside from the signing of Sykes, the Leinster coach has also brought in Canterbury Crusaders outhalf Matt Berquist while confirming Connacht tighthead Jamie Hagan has signed a three-year deal.

With Dan Carter the first choice number 10 at the Crusaders, Berquist has had his options limited since joining last year and Schmidt has snapped him up to provide further cover for Jonathan Sexton.