Lock Steven Sykes is one of those rare players who has a Springbok blazer in his cupboard at home, but is unable to wear it.

Sykes was selected for the third test against the British & Irish Lions but never played. He was therefore never capped and cannot wear the famous green and gold blazer as Bok tradition dictates.

In fact, he's not even considered to be a Springbok even though he was selected as part of a 22-man squad for a test.

That's why it seemed strange that Sykes left the Sharks for Irish club Leinster last year when there was every chance that he would fulfil his ambition of becoming a Bok.

But after six months in Ireland, he, his wife and seven-week old son are back in Durban where a successful season with the Sharks could well result in test selection.

Despite being one of the foremost No4 locks in South Africa between 2009 and 2011, Sykes was kept on the international fringes by Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw and Flip van der Merwe.

Now, Botha and Rossouw are playing overseas and are both in the twilight of their careers, while Van der Merwe's form dipped in 2011.

There is a small gap in the Bok setup this season through which Sykes could smash his 1.98m, 117kg frame if he rediscovers the form that made him a Bok contender two years ago.

Now just 27, he is approaching the prime of his career though niggling injuries in Ireland frustrated his stay.

"I learned a lot while I was there - it was an interesting time for me. But it was also a bit frustrating because I had some injuries," Sykes said.

"Then, on top of those, I got concussed. So I'm just glad to be back here. I want to start playing and contributing where I can.

"My fitness levels are actually very good, I've been training really hard, my diet has been good and I think I'm probably in the best shape I have been in for a long while."

Sharks coach John Plumtree has no concerns that Sykes will make an impact.

"He'll fit right back in seamlessly. He hasn't been away that long."