JP Pietersen’s blend of youth and experience will look to build on last season’s revival and return the Sharks to the URC playoffs, writes SIMON BORCHARDT.
When Pietersen replaced John Plumtree as head coach last December, the Sharks were languishing in 14th place on the URC log with just one win from six matches.
In February, following back-to-back victories against the then log-leading Stormers, Pietersen was appointed on a permanent basis. Although the Sharks ultimately missed the playoffs, finishing 10th, the improvement under his guidance was evident.
The former Springbok wing, who made his Test debut at the age of 20, boldly backed the Sharks’ youngsters with one eye on the future.
Nineteen-year-old fullback Luan Giliomee starred on debut in the thrashing of Munster, scoring a try before suffering an injury the following week. Eighteen-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya made an equally impressive debut at fullback against the Ospreys and went on to make three more appearances, including one at flyhalf. Flyhalf Vusi Moyo earned his first URC cap in the Sharks’ final match of the season against Zebre, scoring 15 points, including a try. As Pietersen said at the time, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
While the Sharks bid farewell to several senior players at the end of the season, including Springbok flank Siya Kolisi and scrumhalf Grant Williams, lost Giliomee to the Bulls and granted Bok fullback Aphelele Fassi a sabbatical in Japan, they also welcomed back Bok prop Thomas du Toit and lock Stephan Lewies to Durban, while signing former Bok scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl after his five-year stint with Saracens and securing Stormers winger Suleiman Hartzenberg’s services on a loan deal.
At the end of last season, Pietersen described the balance of his squad under the captaincy of Springbok centre André Esterhuizen as “beautiful” and said he was confident that, after a proper pre-season, they would begin the 2026-27 URC campaign in a “better place”.
The coach will be pleased to kick off the season with two home matches, against the Ospreys and a Leinster side likely to be without its Irish internationals, before what could prove to be the Sharks’ first real test of the campaign against the Stormers in Cape Town.
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FACT FILE
Coach: JP Pietersen
Captain: André Esterhuizen
2025-26 log finish: 10th
ONE TO WATCH
Zekhethelo Siyaya emerged as one of the Sharks’ brightest young talents under coach JP Pietersen last season. The 18-year-old made an impressive URC debut at fullback against the Ospreys in Swansea, playing with such confidence and freedom that Pietersen remarked afterwards he did not look like a player his age. A week later, Siyaya beat 15 defenders against Edinburgh before being handed a start at flyhalf against Benetton, where he scored a try in a convincing win. Pietersen said the teenager had answered his questions at No 10 and shown he could do the job there. His performances also caught the eye of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who selected him for South Africa A after a Bok alignment camp. A severe concussion and facial injury ruled him out of the Junior World Championship, but with Aphelele Fassi heading to Japan, Siyaya has the chance to establish himself as the Sharks’ first-choice fullback while providing cover at flyhalf.
PRE-SEASON: Sharks edge Lions at Ellis Park
FAST FACT
Former All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu has joined the Sharks in a mentorship role. The 44-year-old, who played for French club Toulon last season, made his Sharks debut against the touring All Blacks in August and is available for selection if required in the URC.
URC FIXTURES
26 September: Ospreys (h)
3 October: Leinster (h)
10 October: Stormers (a)
23 October: Cardiff (a)
31 October: Munster (a)
5 December: Stormers (h)
19 December: Bulls (h)
2 January: Lions (h)
22 January: Ulster (a)
30 January: Benetton (a)
20 February: Lions (a)
27 February: Bulls (a)
19 March: Edinburgh (h)
27 March: Dragons (h)
16 April: Zebre (a)
24 April: Scarlets (a)
8 May: Connacht (h)
15 May: Glasgow (h)
PLAYERS IN
Darrien Landsberg (Lions)
Dominic Besag (USA)
Donavan Don (Blitzboks)
Esethu Mnebelele (Bulls)
Thomas du Toit (Bath)
Murray Koster (Hino Red Dolphins)
Stephan Lewies (Harlequins)
Suleiman Hartzenberg (Stormers)
Gianni Lombard (Lions)
Ma’a Nonu (Toulon)
Nemo Roelofse (Perpignan)
Hendré Stassen (Brive)
Ivan van Zyl (Saracens)
PLAYERS OUT
Lukhanyo Am (Sagamihara Dynaboars)
Dian Bleuler (Gloucester)
Cebo Dlamini (Sale)
Aphelele Fassi (Toshiba Brave Lupus)
Tiaan Fourie (Stormers)
Luan Giliomee (Bulls)
Batho Hlekani (Lions)
Siya Kolisi (Stormers)
Hakeem Kunene (Bulls)
Le Roux Malan (Cardiff)
Mawande Mdanda (Bulls)
Marvin Orie (unattached)
JJ Scheepers (Pumas)
Jean Smith (Benetton)
Francois Venter (retired)
Grant Williams (Kobelco Steelers)
THIS IS HOME
🤍
The 26/27 URC Hollywoodbets Sharks home kit is here.
ANY DAY. ANY TIME. BRING IT.
#SharksRugbyClub #BlackWhiteForever #HollywoodbetsSharks pic.twitter.com/JBhw6EYx4U
— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) September 4, 2026
WE TAKE IT WITH US
26/27 URC away kit
Any day. Any time. Bring it
— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) September 5, 2026
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post 2026-27 URC preview: Sharks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
JP Pietersen’s blend of youth and experience will look to build on last season’s revival and return the Sharks to the URC playoffs.
The post 2026-27 URC preview: Sharks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
