Andre Esterhuizen to lead Sharks team, with Tsikuta, Van Heerden, and Hatton as his deputies in URC

The Sharks have unveiled their 67-man squad for the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season. Head coach JP Pietersen has formed a significantly more balanced team, utilizing lessons from past campaigns and a player recruitment strategy aimed at ensuring deep squad depth for the ten-month marathon tournament.

Unlike his predecessor John Plamontrie, Pietersen was able to conduct a full three-month pre-season with the majority of the squad available. This represents a significant change following recent disruptions. Plamontrie's preparation was often complicated by player unavailability, as the Sharks sometimes lost up to a dozen athletes due to international commitments.

Now, the number of such players has been reduced to six current Springboks: Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen, Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Hooker, Ox Nche, and Edwin van der Merwe. This means the Sharks will be less reliant on the Springboks, who are likely to miss significant portions of the season.

Instead, the team possesses a substantial pool of internationally experienced players who are no longer playing at the highest level and are therefore expected to be available for most of the URC campaign. This group includes Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane, Bongani Mbonanti, Makazole Mapimpi, Jason Jenkins, Jayden Hendricks, Jordan Hendricks, Fepsy Buthelezi, and Ivan van Zyl.

Furthermore, there are players on the cusp of the Springboks but unlikely to be immediately called up, including Vincent and Manu Tsituku, Wusi Moyo, Jurenzo Julius, and Jaco Williams. The most interesting part of the squad may be the rising generation, which includes Springbok juniors such as Sekxetelo Siyaya, Rambo Kubheka, Patu Ganyane, Mnebelele Esethu, Matt Romao, Litelile Bester, Luan Gillium, Liam van Wyk, and Seano Everson.

The inclusion of these young talents reflects the Sharks' desire to develop their own next generation rather than relying on signings for success. Although Gillium will join the Bulls on January 1, 2027, his inclusion in the initial squad demonstrates the depth of talent passing through the system.

The Sharks team intensified its preparations for the United Rugby Championship after a convincing 66-0 victory over South Western Districts in George last Friday. Coach JP Pietersen expressed satisfaction with the growing cohesion of the team.

INTERNAL RUGBY

This friendly match was held three weeks before the Sharks' debut URC match against Ospreys, which is scheduled for September 26th at Kings Park stadium. Pietersen used the game to provide valuable playing experience to several players who impressed during the Currie Cup.

Despite the impressive scoreline, the Sharks coach was more interested in the physical test provided by the SWD team under the guidance of former Springbok and Bulls mentor, Heinke Meyer. Pietersen noted positive aspects of the game:

WHAT THE COACH SAID

'The connection between the forwards and backlines, how they played off each other, was pleasing to see,' stated Pietersen. He added that SWD provided a good test due to their powerful forward pack. 'Physically, they demanded a lot from us—in rucks, mauls, and ball retention. So it was a good test of fitness that we passed.'

The SWD team demonstrated significant progress during the Currie Cup, making them a useful opponent for the Sharks as they concluded weeks of preseason physical conditioning. Pietersen was also pleased with the opportunity to give chances to several reserve players so they could make themselves known before the URC begins.

The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining team health: 'The most important thing is that the Sharks went through this match without serious injuries; player reliability looks good,' he reported. He also noted that the team's level of physical readiness is high.

Before fully focusing on the URC, the Sharks will play another friendly match against the Lions in Johannesburg this Friday. Pietersen believes that the elements of the team are starting to come together: 'The connection, as I mentioned, between the backlines and forwards, is approaching some cohesion. It's great to see that we are building. It's good to see the guys showing themselves and playing as a team.'

All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu is actively involved in the development of young talents at the Sharks franchise by conducting early morning sessions. His passionate commitment to the club inspires the next generation of players.

Nonu has taken on a new mentorship role in Durban, where he meets with the brightest young Sharks midfielders at 6:30 AM. These meetings include gym training, skills practice, and discussions about rugby. Coach JP Pietersen notes that Nonu's influence is already being felt.

The centre, who played 103 matches for the national team, was recently incorporated into the high-performance Sharks program as a mentor and immediately began working with the club's rising stars.

Nonu's Internal Club: Mentorship and Inspiration

Nonu organized his own early morning 'club' with a group of young Sharks players. JP Pietersen stated that 'Ma'a fit perfectly,' emphasizing that he had known Nonu since their time playing Super Rugby. He also mentioned that Nonu can provide feedback to him.

These young athletes gather every morning at 6:30 in the gym with Nonu, Jurenzo Julius, Murray Koster, and Litelihle Bester. During these sessions, they work out in the gym, practice skills and passes, and discuss rugby.

According to Pietersen, Nonu's extensive knowledge and experience can be particularly valuable. He assists young players with attacking play, understanding space, and most importantly, preparation. Pietersen wonders how players prepare before stepping onto the field: with a plan or without one.

Pietersen believes that such attention to detail can accelerate the development of promising young Sharks players. He added that Nonu challenges them regarding professionalism, which is a learning process for most of them. The coach expressed gratitude for Nonu being at the club at this stage of his career, hoping his knowledge will help the young players become established professionals.

Among those receiving knowledge from Nonu are junior players Jaco Williams (Junior Boks), winger Vusi Moyo, winger Donovan Don, and fullback Luan Giliomee. For players just starting their journey in professional rugby, having access to someone with Nonu's pedigree represents a significant opportunity.

Nonu had a brilliant career with New Zealand from 2003 to 2015, winning two consecutive Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015. He also played in 126 Super Rugby matches for the Hurricanes, as well as for the Blues and Highlanders. After ending his playing career at Toulouse, where he scored 100 tries.

Nonu occasionally takes to the field, as he did when playing for the Sharks against the All Blacks during the 'Greatest Rugby Rivalry' match, demonstrating his memorable haka response. However, his greatest contribution to the Sharks will be made behind the scenes.