The Sharks have named a provisional pre-season training squad, while confirming the signing of Stormers lock Ruan Botha on a two-year deal.

With a number of players currently completing short-term stints in Japan, and several others undergoing injury rehab, the Sharks have been working with a large 39-man provisional squad to be trimmed down in the new year.

The Sharks also confirmed that five players had been released from their contracts, most notably Marco Wentzel, who captained the side in Vodacom Super Rugby and the Currie Cup last year.

In confirming the recruitment of Botha, director of rugby Gary Gold said they were excited by what the former Junior Bok could add to the Sharks' set-up.

'Ruan is a young player with a bright future. He was part of the SA U20 squad that won the Junior Championship in 2012 and we look forward to his progress in the black and white jersey.'

Namibian lock Tjiuee Uanivi has not been named in the provisional squad as certain formalities related to his signing still need to be completed.

Provisional Sharks training squad:

Forwards – Aaron Schramm, Barend Potgieter, Christiaan de Bruin, Coenie Oosthuizen, Dale Chadwick, David McDuling, Etienne Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Francois Kleinhans, Gerhard Engelbrecht, Hyron Andrews, Jean Deysel, Kyle Cooper, Beast Mtawarira, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Monde Hadebe, Mzamo Majola, Philip van der Walt, Ruan Botha, Sias Koen, Thomas du Toit.

Players in rehab – Beast Mtawarira, Conrad Hoffmann, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Juan Schoeman, Khaya Majola, Lourens Adriaanse, Stephan Lewies, Tera Mtembu.
Players released – Jaco van Tonder, JC Astle, Lionel Cronjé, Marco Wentzel, Waylon Murray, Wiehan Hay.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix