Bok locked in as Sharks' recruitment drive continues
TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have extended the contract of Springbok utility back Ethan Hooker.
The 23-year-old has signed a deal that will keep him at the Durban franchise until 2029. He had previously inked an extension until 2027 following an incredible breakthrough season in 2024.
Although still relatively early in his career, Hooker has shown rapid growth and established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in South African rugby.
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He has become a vital cog in the Sharks setup and is widely tipped to play an equally pivotal role for the Springboks in the years ahead.
Hooker made his Springbok debut against Italy in July 2025 and immediately made an impression.
He earned widespread praise for his first Test start on the right wing in the Boks’ commanding 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington.
The rising star has been sidelined since dislocating his shoulder after scoring a try in the Sharks’ URC clash against the Ospreys in April.
He subsequently underwent surgery in Durban and is expected to miss the Boks’ opening Nations Championship Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
Du Toit returns to Durban
Aside from Hooker’s extension, the Sharks have also confirmed that Springbok prop Thomas du Toit is among nine players set to join the franchise ahead of next season.
The front-rower will return to Kings Park from Premiership club Bath at the end of the current campaign.
The transfer was initially revealed by Bath in October 2025.
The 31-year-old left Durban for England in 2023 and quickly established himself as a key figure in Johann van Graan’s side, playing a central role in Bath’s treble-winning 2025-26 season.
During last season’s campaign, Du Toit scored 21 tries in 52 appearances for the West Country outfit and earned a nomination for Premiership Player of the Season.
At the weekend, the versatile prop added another string to his bow during Bath’s 69-12 thrashing of Newcastle Red Bulls in the Premiership.
Du Toit, who is among the rare breed of props capable of scrumming on both sides of the front row, surprised fans and pundits alike when he threw the ball in at the line-out for Van Graan’s side.
The Springbok joins Ivan van Zyl, Stephan Lewies, Murray Koster, Nemo Roelofse, Blitzbok star Donavan Don, Gianni Lombard, Hendré Stassen and Esethu Mnebelele as the Sharks’ new additions for next season.
Libbok linked with Sharks move
Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok has also been linked with a move to Durban.
According to various media reports, the Sharks have identified Libbok as an ideal candidate to strengthen their No 10 position.
Should the Sharks succeed in luring Libbok back to Durban, it would mark a full-circle moment in his career.
Libbok spent time at the Sharks in 2020 and 2021 but was not considered a first-choice option and mainly featured at fullback before going on to achieve major success with the Stormers.
The 28-cap Springbok is currently based in Japan.
The Sharks will open their next URC campaign against the Ospreys on September 26 at Kings Park.
