Image:Ryan Kankowski: Will spend six months in Japan
The Sharks have granted South Africa back-rower Ryan Kankowski a six-month sabbatical.
Olivier also poised for a switch to the Top League
The Sharks have granted South Africa back-rower Ryan Kankowski a six-month sabbatical.
The 26-year-old will leave the Natal franchise at the end of the season to play in Japan.
Kankowski, who is on the Springboks bench for the third Test against England, will then return in time for the 2013 Super Rugby campaign.
"We wish him the best of luck in Japan and look forward to welcoming him back to Durban upon completing his playing commitments in Japan, when he will continue to represent The Sharks with distinction," said Sharks chief executive Brian van Zyl.
Kankowski looks set to be joined in the Japanese Top League by Boks team-mate Wynard Olivier - with reports claiming the centre has also agreed to a longer-term switch.
