The man behind the Sharks' new recruitment drive

INTERVIEW: When Rugby365 sat down with outgoing Affies Director of Rugby Ruan Jacobs earlier this year, he didn’t rule out the possibility of pursuing a new challenge in the near future.

Up until then, his focus was on ensuring Affies enjoyed a good season and continued to compete at the highest level against some of the country’s powerhouses.

However, when one of South Africa’s biggest unions came knocking, it was expected that such an offer would be hard to ignore.

Jacobs has since landed what many consider a crucial role in today’s rugby landscape after putting pen to paper with the Sharks.

He will join the Durban franchise as their Head of Recruitment and Retention, an important role that entails player contracting and talent identification across the senior teams, as well as the pathway systems.

“Being approached by the Sharks was humbling, and I’m happy with how we got things done quickly,” he told Rugby365.

“After the union underwent structural changes, a position on recruitment, retention and TID [Talent identification] became available, and they thought I was a good candidate.

“When you get a chance to work at an organisation like the Sharks, I don’t think you can take too long because it doesn’t come by often.”

The story continues below…

Contributor @av_sawula sat down with Affies head coach Ruan Jacobs discussing his vision for the ‘Wit Bulle’ https://t.co/feeTgavVlp

🌐#Rugby365 #SchoolsRugby #Affies

— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) March 24, 2026

Jacobs, who has extensive experience in schoolboy rugby and an eye for talent, will take over from former England fullback Michael Horak.

Before returning to Affies in 2020, Jacobs had coached at Glenwood High School and Stirling High in the Eastern Cape after a lengthy semi-professional career, which saw him represent Free State and the Border Bulldogs.

Over the years, he has been heavily involved in SA Rugby’s EPD (Elite Player Development) structures and various Craven Week setups – experience he hopes to bring to his new role.

“I look forward to the challenge,” he added.

“The Director of Rugby role at Affies has given me a taste of TID, but this is very different.

“I think my experience in schoolboy rugby and being in selector meetings for the Bulls, Border and SA Schools put me in good standing.

“I’ve also been with the EPD system since 2016, and learned a lot, so I’m confident I can apply the knowledge and make the Sharks even better.”

Jacobs admitted that he will consult with his twin brother, Niell, who took over a similar role at the Bulls earlier this year.

Under his watch, the Bulls have already secured the signing of some exciting players, including Curwin Bosch, Thaakir Abrahams, Dylan Maart, and Sango Xamlashe.

“Well, he’s got a six-month jump on me, but I’ll be leaning on him a lot,” he said, chuckling.

“The nice thing is that he [Niell] has seen a few things and given me advice as to what to look out for, and what I can do better.

“It will be competitive because we are working for two different unions, but I think it will also be mutually beneficial.”

The story continues below…

Fourteen Hollywoodbets Sharks.

Seven capped. Seven uncapped.

One strong signal🖤#SharksRugby #Springboks pic.twitter.com/SXEUmtrFn8

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) June 8, 2026

In terms of his plans at the Sharks, the 37-year-old made it clear that he wants to help the union attract the best talent, while keeping its treasured diamonds.

“I want the best talent to go to the Sharks, but I also want to keep the local guys there.

“If you look at guys like Phepsi Buthelezi, Phatu Ganyane, and the Hendrikse brothers [Jordan and Jaden], they have been in the Sharks systems since U16.

“I’m going to lean heavily on that formula. At the Sharks, we have a specific game model that we want to recruit towards.

“If you look at the Craven Week team this year, the talent is very rich. Our goal will be to keep as much as we can and then fill other positions with players from the outside.

“There are specific metrics in each position, so we will be strict on that. I’ll be working closely with JP Pietersen, Niel Powell, and Dave Williams, and serve their needs as much as possible.”

The Sharks have already re-signed some of their talent for next season.

Ethan Hooker, Bradley Davids, Vincent Tshituka, Vusi Moyo, and Phatu Ganyane all extended their contracts and will remain in Durban for the foreseeable future.