Francois Steyn is looking forward to a Super 14 campaign with the Sharks © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Frans Steyn

Tournaments/Tours: Super 14

Teams: Sharks | South Africa

Springbok utility back Francois Steyn has dismissed rumours linking him with a lucrative move to a European club, insisting that he is 100% committed to the Sharks as they prepare for their opening game of the Super 14 against the Stormers on Saturday.

Steyn had been linked with several clubs, with several reports insinuating that he had signed a deal with French Division Two side Racing Metro Paris. Steyn has moved to quell any rumours of a move, insisting that he is happy in Durban.

"I did not approach anybody to go and play for them," Steyn told South African newspaper Rapport. "Clubs approached me, as they do with my team-mates as well. People who think I'm not loyal don't see the smile with which I get up to train every morning.

"It's going well in Durban. I'm fully focused on the Sharks' Super 14 campaign and nothing else. I believe we can win the competition. After that it's the Springboks if I'm picked, and then we have to defend the Currie Cup."

Steyn has struggled to pin down a set position with the Sharks and South Africa, winning international caps at fly-half, centre and fullback. He is committed to improving as a player with the Sharks, and may get a chance now that Ruan Pienaar has been earmarked for the Springbok fly-half berth.

"I don't want to go overseas because it will look as if I'm running away from my problems," he said. "Money is not everything. What's important to me is to improve in what I'm doing. If I'm stagnating I'll have to make a plan, and if that means considering my options rather than staying here, so be it.

"At 21 I am at a crossroads in my career. The decisions I have to take now are the most difficult of my life and I pray about it a lot. I have a few options I'm considering, not just overseas. However, I have not signed any contract."

Steyn felt during last season that his versatility was damaging his international ambitions, playing in four different positions for the Sharks and slipping behind Jean de Villiers and Adrian Jacobs in the pecking order at centre and Pienaar at fly-half. With an important Super 14 campaign ahead, he now has his eyes set on enjoying his game an potentially wrapping up a spot in the squad to face the British and Irish Lions in June.

"All the moving around meant I could not improve and that was frustrating. I know I won't walk into the Bok side at inside centre because Jean de Villiers is in great form. But that's not all that it's about," he added. "I owe it to myself to enjoy my rugby again. "I believe if I play well enough I'll be in contention when the Bok squad is picked. I will play where they need me and have never made any demands. The prospect of playing against the British and Irish Lions is a huge incentive."