Springbok prop Vincent Koch says the Sharks have big ambitions for the 2026-27 season after a gruelling pre-season in Durban.
The Sharks are looking to make amends for a disappointing 2025-26 URC campaign in which they finished 10th on the log and failed to qualify for the Investec Champions Cup.
Instead, JP Pietersen’s side will compete in the second-tier EPCR Challenge Cup – which they won in 2023-24 – this season.
Double World Cup winner Koch, who has 63 Test caps, has not played for the Boks since July 2025, allowing him to complete a full pre-season with the Sharks.
“We’ve had a really good pre-season. It’s been tough, but I think the boys really stuck into this pre-season,” Koch said on Thursday.
“If you look at the conditioning side, we’ve really built a squad that is fit, strong and is going to be physical.
“It’s been a great pre-season. We worked hard, but I think everyone is aligned with what is expected of us for the season.”
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Koch said the Sharks want to establish themselves as a fast, physical team – and compete for trophies.
“I know that is a little bit of a cliché – of course, every season has to be like that – but our focus is winning trophies this year, to compete for trophies.
“We’ve set ourselves goals around that and I think we are ready to take on the season.”
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For Koch, having his first “proper” pre-season with the Sharks since joining them in 2023 has also given him a different perspective on their preparations.
“I’ve been away for the last three years, but it was awesome being involved with the boys, to help the young guys as well and just get a proper pre-season.
“If I look back at where we started in the pre-season and where we are as a group now, we’re a lot fitter and closer as a group as well.
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“For me personally, I’m ready for the season. My role is to play the best rugby I can possibly play and serve the team as best as I can, whether that is helping the youngsters coming through or performing on the field.
“All my focus is at the Sharks at the moment, just to see how I can help them be successful this season.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Koch: Sharks want to win trophies appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok prop Vincent Koch says the Sharks have big ambitions for the 2026-27 season after a gruelling pre-season in Durban.
The post Koch: Sharks want to win trophies appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
