Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies is going to France on a short-term deal to get ready for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in July.
Signed by French club Pau as a medical joker, the Lions pivot explains of the move: “It was a collective decision in terms of myself, [Saru director of rugby] Rassie Erasmus, [Lions CEO] Rudolf Straueli and [Lions coach] Cash [van Rooyen].
“It was made in terms of just looking at me as an individual and how we can get me into the best possible condition and the best I can be before the Lions tour.
I’ve got this opportunity to go and play in the Top 14 – it is a different competition, a different experience and there are obviously quality teams that I am going to play against.
“It is part of our preparations for the Springboks.”
While South Africa’s Rainbow Cup campaign will kick off domestically next week, it is yet to be confirmed whether or not they will face UK opposition after the local derbies.