Sharks name 67-man squad ahead of new URC season

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A new era beckons for the Sharks, with head coach JP Pietersen naming a 67-man squad for the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season, ahead of the tournament’s commencement next weekend.

Following a productive pre-season, the Sharks enter the new campaign with a squad that has been carefully assembled to meet the demands of what promises to be an intensive and highly competitive nine-month season.

Preparation has focused on building fitness, developing combinations and creating the depth and resilience required to compete across multiple competitions.

The 67-man squad, comprising 31 backs and 36 forwards, strikes a balance between youth and experience, with exciting young talent complemented by established international stars and players who have gained valuable experience at URC level.

Amongst those named are Springboks Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen, Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Hooker, Ox Nche and Edwill van der Merwe, alongside a group of emerging players who have featured in the World Rugby Junior Championship and Currie Cup.

Their inclusion reflects the Sharks’ commitment to developing the next generation while ensuring that the squad has the experience and composure required at the highest level.

The squad also includes a wealth of URC and international experience, with the likes of the Hendrikse and Tshituka brothers, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Koch and Makazole Mapimpi bringing significant experience to the group, while veteran All Black Ma’a Nonu will also play an important mentorship role with the young backs in the squad.

With the demands of the URC and EPCR competitions, squad depth and effective player management will be crucial.

The Sharks have paid close attention to injury management during pre-season, while the return of players from injury will provide further reinforcement and competition for places as the campaign progresses.

For Pietersen, the objective is to build a team that is resilient, competitive and capable of responding to the challenges of a demanding season.

The VURC campaign gets underway on September 26, with the Sharks opening their season at Hollywoodbets Kings Park against the Ospreys before welcoming Leinster to Durban in the following round.

Sharks 2026/27 URC Squad:

Forwards: Bongi Mbonambi, Cameron Dawson, Coetzee le Roux, Corne’ Rahl, Darrien Landsberg, Deon Slabbert, Dian Heunis, Eben Etzebeth, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Emmanuel (Manu) Tshituka, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Fezokuhle (Fez) Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Hendre’ Stassen, Jannes Potgieter, Jason Jenkins, Johan Momsen, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Liam van Wyk, Matt Romao, Nemo Roelofse, Nicholas (Nick) Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Phendulani (Phepsi) Buthelezi, Phiwayinkosi (Rambo) Kubheka, Retshegofaditswe (Ox) Nche, Simphiwe Matanzima, Simphiwe Ngobese, Stephan Lewies, Thomas du Toit, Thomas Dyer, Tinotenda (Tino) Mavesere, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka,

Backs: Albertus (Albie) Bester, Andre Esterhuizen, Bradley Davids, Ceano Everson, Donavan Don, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Gianni Lombard, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Janco Purchase, Jordan Hendrikse, Juan Loots, Jurenzo Julius, Khuthadzo (Khuthi) Rasivhaga, Litelihle (Lili) Bester, Luan Giliomee, Lyle Matthews, Ma’a Nonu, Makazole Mapimpi, Matthew Fortuin, Murray Koster, Phikolomzi (PK) Sobahle, Ross Braude, Siya Masuku, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Vusi Moyo, Yaw Penxe, Zekhethelo Siyaya