VIDEO: The inside view on Hooker's Bok trajectory
Every season, a new star emerges and this year that star is likely to be the Sharks’ Ethan Hooker.
The 22-year-old has worked tirelessly throughout the season, despite an injury setback at the end of last year, as he continues his bid to become a Springbok through his sensational form.
Hooker has enjoyed a ‘breakthrough season’ and made a habit of collecting Man of the Match awards.
Be it on the wing or centre, he is always strong in contact and quick in both feet and mind. His standards never drop, and week after week, he seems to be one of the best players on the field for the Sharks.
On both sides of the ball, Hooker is just exceptional and seems ready-made for Test rugby.
During the Springbok media briefings at their hotel in Hyde Park this week, it was notable how many times Hooker’s name came up.
Seasoned midfielder Damian de Allende spoke highly of the Sharks player, saying he would love to train and learn from him.
Outside back Aphelele Fassi called him ‘a brilliant’ player.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that he prefers Hooker at centre.
De Allende referred to the youngster as the backbone of the Sharks’ backline, saying: “He is always going forward, he is very dominant.
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“A guy like Ethan has had a great season with the Sharks. Andre [Esterhuizen] and Lukie [Lukhanyo Am] are helping him at the Sharks,” De Allende said.
“I think I can learn a lot from Ethan. The way he has played in the URC [United Rugby Championship] this season has been incredible.
“He has been the backbone of the Sharks’ backline. I’d love to train with him a bit more and play with him just to get a good feel from him, his communication on the field.
“I have trained alongside him a bit. It hasn’t been that much, but he has a good head on his shoulders, and he’s got a great future.
“Jesse [Kriel], Andre [Esterhuizen], Lukie [Am}, and I will do the best we can to make sure we can give him as much knowledge as soon as possible, and when he does get the opportunity, that he is ready,” De Allende added.
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Fassi echoed his Springbok teammates’ sentiments.
“I’m pretty excited to train and play with Ethan at the highest level,” the fullback said.
“I think he is a brilliant player who can play centre and wing.
“He has shown his value through the season at the Sharks and what he can produce.
“So just excited for him to be in this setup and excited for what the future holds for him,” the fullback commented.
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Erasmus explained that the Springboks do not dictate to the franchise teams how they should play or in what position certain players should run out.
The Sharks preferred to play Hooker on the wing instead of his regular centre position, while Erasmus explained that he would most likely play with the No.13 on his back for the Springboks.
“We don’t put pressure on those guys to play guys in certain positions and to play certain styles,” Erasmus said.
“That is why we have the alignment camps – just to make sure the guys still know what we expect at Springbok level and what they will have to change.
“So it’s difficult to judge a guy like Ethan Hooker who played wing for the Sharks and they’ve got a certain defence system.
“But we see him as a 13 and we want to use him as a 13.”
Ethan Hooker this season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dzsPITxERa
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) June 12, 2025
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