Ahead of the resumption of domestic action this weekend, we look at where the Sharks squad currently stand ahead of the domestic season.
The Sharks have managed to maintain a good continuity in their squad between the halt of the regular season in mid-March and the upcoming resumption of the domestic season.
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The obvious two big losses are Springboks Andre Esterhuizen and Makazole Mapimpi. Esterhuizen has departed permanently to Harlequins in the English Premiership, while Mapimpi joined the Red Hurricanes in Japan – coached by Johan Ackermann – on a loan deal, but will miss both Super Rugby Unlocked and the Currie Cup.
To the Sharks’ credit, there were other players who were attracting plenty of interest from overseas clubs – including prop Thomas du Toit, locks JJ van der Mescht and Ruben van Heerden, flyhalf Curwin Bosch, centre Lukhanyo Am and fullback Aphelele Fassi – particularly during the controversial 21-day transfer window in May, but all have stayed.
Other departures include workaholic lock/flank Tyler Paul, who did opt to cancel his contract during the window to move to Japan, scrumhalf Louis Schreuder, who cancelled his contract on a mutual basis and has since joined the Newcastle Falcons, as well as Cameron Wright, Tera Mtembu, Andisa Ntsila and Juan Schoeman.
However, the Sharks have added a couple of big names to their squad and a couple of promising youngsters. The headline transfer was Manie Libbok from the Vodacom Bulls, who will add further depth at both flyhalf and fullback, particularly if Curwin Bosch gets a Springbok call-up for the Rugby Championship.
Sevens star Werner Kok has also arrived to bolster the Sharks’ midfield. Kok has previously played fifteens for both Toulouse and Western Province. 21-year-old scrumhalf Lucky Dlepu and 22-year-old hooker Dan Jooste have both joined from Western Province.
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Sharks squad (subject to change)
Props: Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche, Mzamo Majola, Kutha Mchunu, John-Hubert Meyer, Michael Kumbirai, Hanru Jacobs.
Hookers: Kerron van Vuuren, Craig Burden, Fez Mbatha, Dylan Richardson, Dan Jooste, Cullen van der Merwe, Jacques Goosen.
Locks: Hyron Andrews, Ruben van Heerden, Le Roux Roets, JJ van der Mescht, Emile van Heerden, Jordan Sesink-Clee.
Loose forwards: Sikhumbuzo Notshe, James Venter, Phendulani Buthelezi, Celimpilo Gumede, Evan Roos, Henco Venter, Zain Davids, Jordan Mountford, Tera Mtembu.
Scrumhalves: Sanele Nohamba, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Lucky Dlepu.
Flyhalves: Curwin Bosch, Jordan Chait, Boeta Chamberlain, Manie Libbok.
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Jeremy Ward, Marius Louw, Werner Kok, Murray Koster, DJ Falconer, Rynhardt Jonker, JP Pietersen.
Wings: Sbu Nkosi, Madosh Tambwe, Lwazi Mvovo, Caleb Dingaan, Asanda Kunene, Anthony Volmink, Muller du Plessis.
Fullbacks: Aphelele Fassi (injured, four months), Thaakir Abrahams, Darren Hendricks.
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Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
