Sharks go big for URC

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Sharks coach JP Pietersen has named a 67-man squad for their 2026-27 campaign.

The squad consists of 36 forwards and 31 backs, and includes several current Springboks, props Ox Nché and Thomas du Toit, lock Eben Etzebeth, centre André Esterhuizen, utility back Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe.

There is further experience in the form of Vincent Koch, Makazole Mapimpi, Phepsi Buthelezi, the Hendrikse and Tshituka brothers, while veteran All Black Ma’a Nonu will continue to play a mentorship role with the Sharks’ young backs.

Pietersen has also included several emerging players who have featured in the  Junior World Championship and Currie Cup, continuing the youth policy he embraced after taking over as head coach last season.

The Sharks begin their URC campaign against the Ospreys at Kings Park next Saturday before hosting defending champions Leinster in Durban on 3 October.

2026-27 URC PREVIEW: Sharks

Sharks URC and EPCR Challenge Cup squad
Albie Bester, Ethan Bester, Lili Bester, Ross Braude, Phepsi Buthelezi, Bradley Davids, Cameron Dawson, Donavan Don, Thomas du Toit, André Esterhuizen, Eben Etzebeth, Ceano Everson, Matthew Fortuin, Phatu Ganyane, Luan Giliomee, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Nick Hatton, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Emile van Heerden, Dian Heunis, Ethan Hooker, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Jurenzo Julius, Vincent Koch, Murray Koster, Rambo Kubheka, Darrien Landsberg, Coetzee le Roux, Stephan Lewies, Gianni Lombard, Juan Loots, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Simphiwe Matanzima, Lyle Matthews, Tino Mavesere, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Fez Mbatha, Esethu Mnebelele, Bongi Mbonambi, Johan Momsen, Vusi Moyo, Ox Nché, Simphiwe Ngobese, Ma’a Nonu, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe, Jannes Potgieter, Janco Purchase, Corné Rahl, Khuthi Rasivhaga, Nemo Roelofse, Matt Romao, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Deon Slabbert, PK Sobahle, Hendré Stassen, Eduan Swart, Manu Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Edwill van der Merwe, Ivan van Zyl, Liam van Wyk, Jaco Williams.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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