Siya Kolisi has been named in the Sharks squad for their two-match Vodacom URC tour.
The Sharks face the Ospreys in Swansea on Saturday and Edinburgh at Hive Stadium next Friday.
Kolisi has not featured for his club since late January, having withdrawn shortly before the match against Munster in Durban with a calf injury.
Captain André Esterhuizen is one of several first-choice players to return to action having been rested for the EPCR Challenge Cup last-16 clash against Connacht.
Coach JP Pietersen has also backed youth, with former Sharks U18 and SA Schools fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya, who matriculated last year from Westville Boys’ High, set to make his senior debut.
Bok lock Eben Etzebeth, who only recently returned from a 12-week suspension, is among a long list of players not considered due to injury.
The Sharks are 10th on the log with four rounds remaining – seven points behind the eighth-placed Bulls.
STATE OF THE URC: SA sides eye playoff prize
Sharks squad
Backs – Ross Braude, Bradley Davids, André Esterhuizen (c), Jaden Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Le Roux Malan, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Jean Smith, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe.
Forwards – Phepsi Buthelezi, Phatu Ganyane, Nick Hatton, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Fez Mbatha, Ox Nché, Corné Rahl, Eduan Swart, Manu Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Emile van Heerden, Willem van den Hever.
Players not considered for selection due to injury: Bryce Calvert, Ruan Dreyer, Thomas Dyer, Eben Etzebeth, Aphelele Fassi, Luan Giliomee, Hakeem Kunene, Coetzee le Roux, Simphiwe Matanzima, Bongi Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, Yaw Penxe, Matt Romao, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
