April makes a surprise appearance in the Sunwolves' preliminary Super Rugby squad

26 November 2019 - 13:12 By Khanyiso Tshwaku
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Garth April of the Cell C Sharks XV during the SuperSport Rugby Challenge match between Cell C Sharks XV and Xerox Golden Lions XV at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Durban, South Africa.
Garth April of the Cell C Sharks XV during the SuperSport Rugby Challenge match between Cell C Sharks XV and Xerox Golden Lions XV at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Durban, South Africa.
Image: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

Former Sharks utility back Garth April was a surprise appearance in the Sunwolves' preliminary Super Rugby squad for next year.

April‚ who had a colourful stint with the Sharks before falling out with then coach Robert du Preez‚ now plays in Japan for the NTT Communications Shining Arcs in the Top League.

April battled to get a look-in at the Sharks ahead of Curwin Bosch and Robert du Preez‚ with the latter getting beneficial treatment from his father‚ who was the coach.

The 28-year-old‚ who's adept at playing at flyhalf and fullback‚ also played at the Golden Lions‚ Boland Cavaliers and Western Province.

April is the only South African in the 15 that's dominated by six New Zealanders‚ three Australians and two Tongans.

Another shock appearance is that of former England international centre Ben Te'o‚ who was deemed surplus to England requirements by their coach Eddie Jones.

New Zealand-born Te'o had made his England debut against South Africa in 2016 and played the last of his 20 Test earlier this year against Scotland.

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