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.
Sharks URC squad
Albie Bester, André Esterhuizen, Bongi Mbonambi, Bradley Davids, Cameron Dawson, Ceano Everson, Coetzee le Roux, Corné Rahl, Darrien Landsberg, Deon Slabbert, Dian Heunis, Donavan Don, Eben Etzebeth, Eduan Swart, Edwill van der Merwe, Emile van Heerden, Manu Tshituka, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Ethan Hooker, Fez Mbatha, Gianni Lombard, Hanro Jacobs, Hendré Stassen, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Janco Purchase, Jannes Potgieter, Jason Jenkins, Johan Momsen, Jordan Hendrikse, Juan Loots, Jurenzo Julius, Khuthi Rasivhaga, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Liam van Wyk, Lili Bester, Luan Giliomee, Lyle Matthews, Ma’a Nonu, Makazole Mapimpi, Matt Romao, Matthew Fortuin, Murray Koster, Nemo Roelofse, Nick Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Phepsi Buthelezi, PK Sobahle, Rambo Kubheka, Ox Nché, Ross Braude, Simphiwe Matanzima, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siya Masuku, Stephan Lewies, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Thomas du Toit, Thomas Dyer, Tino Mavesere, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka, Vusi Moyo, Yaw Penxe, Zekhethelo Siyaya.
The wait is almost over 🫡
9 days until the 2026/27 @Vodacom #URC season
Tension is building, the pack is hungry and the coast is ready to erupt
25 September — we’re coming in loud, proud and on the hunt
#SharksRugbyClub #BlackWhiteForever #HollywoodbetsSharks… pic.twitter.com/rUBLd2r252
— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) September 16, 2026
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Sharks go big for URC appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Sharks coach JP Pietersen has named a 67-man squad for their 2026-27 campaign.
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