The Sharks have confirmed the signing of Joe Pietersen from the Cheetahs while Fred Zeilinga will head from Durban to Bloemfontein.

The 22-year-old Zeilinga becomes Franco Smith's first signing as coach as he looks to plug the gap left by the departure of Pietersen.

Pietersen is contracted to the Cheetahs until the end of the Vodacom Super Rugby season, but has been drafted by the Sharks for the Currie Cup.

Meanwhile, Zeilinga has been granted an early release from his contract and will join the Cheetahs ahead of the start of the Currie Cup.

He is expected to stay with the union for next year's Super Rugby campaign, which will be Smith's first in charge of the franchise since taking the reins from the outgoing Naka Drotské.

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