Albert van den Berg has signed a one-year contract to see out his career in Japan.

The 36-year old lock, who is the most-capped Sharks player ever, moves to the Canon club in Japan on February 20 after an outstanding career with the Sharks.

Van den Berg, who made his provincial debut for Vaal Triangle way back in 1994, has accumulated 146 provincial caps and 102 Super caps, and played in 51 Tests for the Springboks. He made his international debut against Italy in 1999.

He will be much missed in Durban where he built up a huge fan base among Sharks supporters for his exceptional line-out play, both on his own ball and in disrupting opposition throw-ins. He has always been regarded as an athletic lock who is equally formidable in the tight and in open play, an effective ball-carrier who scored many tries in his career.

He has achieved a remarkable milestone in his career, becoming the most capped Sharks player ever, with a combined tally of 171 caps. Last year he overtook iconic Sharks Hugh Reece-Edwards and Steve Atherton, who held the record with 165 caps since 1995 and 1999 respectively.

Commenting on breaking the Sharks record for caps, Van den Berg said: "It was very special for me playing in my 171st game, in the semi-final of the Currie Cup last year against the Cheetahs. It's always something to aspire to, and players get judged by how many games they've played. There are a lot of legends out there and I am just happy to be part of that group."

Highlights in his career include being a member of the Springbok World Cup squad which won the trophy in 2007, winning the Tri-Nations in 2004 and the Currie Cup in 2008.

It was Van den Berg who scored the try to put the Sharks in the lead, in the dying moments of the game, in the momentous clash against the Bulls in the 2007 Super 14 Final in Durban.

Sharks CEO, Brian van Zyl paid tribute to Van den Berg and said: "We would like to wish Albert and his family the very best for the future. His humble and calm manner has had a great influence on the players around him. On behalf of everyone at the Sharks, I want to thank him for his massive contribution to our rugby, our brand and province throughout his playing career."

The 2.01m tall, 110kg Van den Berg was born in Hoopstad on January 26, 1974. He played in 146 provincial matches (15 for Vaal Triangle, 55 for Griquas and 76 for the Sharks) and in 102 Super games (95 Sharks, 7 Cats). He played 51 Tests and in three tour matches for the Springboks, and had the honour of playing for the British Barbarians in 2004.

RUGBY365