Paris (AFP)

It's the end of a chapter for Morne Steyn: after six seasons spent at Stade Français, South Africa's most capped opening half returns home, leaving the Paris club in last place in Top 14.

Grand artisan of the last title of French champion Stade Français in 2015, Morne Steyn leaves Paris on a dull note: a heavy defeat 25-9 Sunday at home in the derby against Racing 92.

"Everyone is not on the same wavelength Everyone does not pursue the same objectives," regretted to AFP after the meeting the 35-year-old South African who will find the team from his debut, the Bulls, to Pretoria.

Steyn, 66 times selected with the Springboks, compared the situation of Stade Français with the state of mind of his compatriots just champions of the world: "All their arrows go in the same direction.If someone makes a mistake, the other guys are correcting her. "

"You can guess that the atmosphere of the team was great to see everyone playing for each other, I feel like here at Stade Français it's not the same thing." , he added.

Stade Français, the biggest budget of the championship, is last in the Top 14 with two wins and nine small points in nine days.

Despite this disastrous departure, manager Heyneke Meyer has been confirmed to his post several times by owner and president Hans-Peter Wild.

"Morne is a warrior and he has played so many test matches because of his tireless work, which is an inspiration for all players, for me too," said the 52-year-old coach. who has known Steyn since his teenage years for having already directed with the Springboks and the Bulls. They also won the Super Rugby together in 2007.

After six seasons in Paris, a Top 14 title and a European Challenge, it was time for Steyn to complete the loop.

"I wanted to stay in Paris for a year or two, but I had this opportunity to go back to the Bulls, it's fantastic, I started there so I would like to finish my career there."

In the South African franchise, Steyn replaces world champion Handre Pollard, who is going the opposite way to France and will start soon in Montpellier.

© 2019 AFP