CONFIRMED: Sharks sign Bok World Cup winner
TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have confirmed the signing of World Cup winning Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok, who will join the side in July 2027.
Libbok will return to the Durban-based franchise after a stint at Japanese club Hanazono Kintetsu Liners.
Before that, he spent four seasons in Cape Town, playing for the DHL Stormers, and led John Dobson’s side to the United Rugby Championship title in the inaugural season.
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He’s also played for the Bulls and had a stint with the Sharks during the 2020/21 season.
Speaking after the announcement, Libbok said he’s excited for the move and wants to be part of the new culture being built in Durban.
“For this next chapter of my career, there is no club I would rather be joining than the Sharks,” he said.
“This is an iconic club with a proud history; there’s real excitement about the future, and I want to be part of what’s being built here.
“When I chatted with JP and heard his vision for the team, I knew straight away that there’s something special developing here, and I want to be part of it. You can feel the new energy and the culture building, and this is a club that isn’t afraid to do things differently. I’m all in.”
Sharks head coach JP Pietersen said the union would benefit greatly from having such an experienced campaigner.
“Manie is a gamechanger and a player maker. That’s exactly the kind of player we want driving our game.
“Fast, physical and relentless isn’t just a line for us. It needs players who can bring this to life every week, and Manie does that. What stood out most when we spoke was his hunger. He doesn’t just want to join the Sharks; he wants to help build something here with the rest of the squad.
“We’re building a team with a strong identity, where every player puts the badge first and plays for the man next to him. Manie buys into that completely. That attitude will rub off on the young players in the group, and we are really excited to work with him.”
Meanwhile, Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans said the signing reflects the ambition behind the club’s long-term plans.
“Securing a player of Manie’s quality on a multi-year deal shows where this club is going.
“We’ve been clear that the new era of Sharks rugby is about building a team that competes for trophies and makes our supporters proud. In addition to developing high-quality players through our system, that means selectively attracting the best talent globally.
“Manie chose the Sharks because he believes in the vision, the coaching team and the direction of this club. That speaks to the work being done across the whole club, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to Durban.”
Libbok will complete his current commitments in Japan before joining the Sharks squad in July 2027.
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