South African Rugby
Hernandez set to swim with Sharks
Scrum.com
July 9, 2009
Stade Francais fly-half Juan martin Hernandez looks to break during the win over Dax at Stade Jean Bouin, January 3 2009
Juan Martin Hernandez could soon be running out at Kings Park for the Sharks © Getty Images
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Argentine star Juan Martin Hernandez is on the verge of completing a move from Stade Francais to the Natal Sharks, Scrum.com understands.

A source close to the player has told this website that the deal is done in principle and that only the final details of the move remain to be agreed. Hernandez, capped 32 times by the Pumas, will join the Durban-based side for this season's Currie Cup as well as the 2010 Super 14.

The 26-year-old's transfer has been the subject of much speculation with a host of teams said to be interested in the player known as 'El Mago'. Big-spending Toulon believed they had signed their man on Monday, with owner Mourad Boudjellal insisting that the deal was done with the only outstanding issue being flights for the player's girlfriend.

Hernandez was first linked with the Sharks last month while their South African rivals Western Province were also reportedly keen on his signature. He was also subject of two lucrative bids from Top 14 teams but his desire to experience Currie Cup and Super 14 rugby outweighed his financial concerns.

Born in Buenos Aires, Hernandez began his career at the amateur club Deportiva Francesa. He moved to Paris in 2003 and immediately became a mainstay for Stade Francais playing primarily at fullback. He helped the Pumas to third place at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was short-listed for the IRB World Player of the Year award the same year.

If the two teams do reach an agreement then Hernandez will follow in the footsteps France international Frederick Michalak who played for the Sharks in 2008 before suffering a serious knee injury.

© Scrum.com

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