Towering Pumas forward Le Roux Roets returns to the Sharks, joining new recruit Reniel Hugo in a tight five that continues to be bolstered, writes CRAIG LEWIS.
After confirming the headline signing of Siya Kolisi recently, Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee confirmed that they had identified the need to boost the team’s firepower up front.
‘After every competition we look at our shortcomings, especially now that we are going to Europe,’ he said. ‘We are aware that we need to bolster our tight five. We saw that our depth got exposed in the Currie Cup.
‘When first-choice front rowers weren’t there it was problematic. Our No 4 enforcer was a 21-year-old [JJ van der Mescht]. We are aware of those things.’
Roets, who weighs in at close to 140kg and stands 2.05m tall, now heads to Durban after a stint turning out for the Pumas during this past domestic season.
He will add a giant presence to the second row options available to the Sharks, particularly as Hugo makes the move to Durban after stints in Japan and with the Cheetahs.
There are also the likes of Ruben van Heerden and Hyron Andrews who provide further depth at lock.
Meanwhile, the Sharks remain on the hunt for a couple of props to add further strength their front row, with six-cap Springbok Lourens Adriaanse potentially in line for a return to Kings Park as well.
The coastal side would also like to add another high quality hooker to their tight five stocks.
Bongi Mbonambi was a prime target, but does have an appealing contract extension offer that has been tabled by the Stormers. However, he has yet to sign on the dotted line, leading to some reports that he could be reconsidering the Sharks deal.
If Mbonambi remains in Cape Town, the Sharks may look at another possible returnee in Franco Marais.
