Butch James (Gallo Images)

Related Links

• ABs to try different skipper
• Mbalula: SARU taking the lead
• O'Driscoll to miss Bok Test

Cape Town - The Sharks will be looking to use Butch James as a mentor to their younger players during next year's Super Rugby competition.

The former Springbok pivot's contract at the Lions was not renewed and he is now likely to sign at his old team for one last stint in top-flight rugby.

The Beeld website reports that James, 33, was in Durban the past two days to undergo medical tests.

He recently made it clear he wants to play flyhalf, which will see him play back-up to Patrick Lambie for the No 10 spot.

"I haven’t signed yet," James was quoted as saying on Sunday. "It’s about 90% sure. I’ve been speaking to them and I’m keen to go. I’ll basically be the back-up flyhalf (to Lambie).

James is yet to sign a contract but Rudolf Straeuli, the commercial manager of the Sharks, said on Monday that they'll be looking to tap into James's wealth of experience.

"We want to use Butch as a mentor for the younger players - he will specifically be utilised to help players with their goal-kicking as well as tactical kicking. He will work closely with young flyhalves like Fred Zeilinga (under-21 player)," said Straeuli.

I think it is probably only a cover for Lambie at flyhalf.   If Michalak comes back to Durban - he will probably be at flyhalf on a rotational basis and may even serve as scrummie from time to time (the young ladies will be delighted I am sure) .   Don't think Lambie will be played at full back.   James (I met him once and he is as thick as a plank) is probably given this final contract as a cover for flyhalf position and may sometimes even be on the bench.

In the center area the Sharks will be stronger in 2013 than they were in 2012 - with Francois Steyn, Whitehead, Bosman and Jordaan in the squad.   Hope Steyn get rid of some conditioning and performs well.