The Sharks are gearing up for a robust 2026/27 season with the acquisition of Gianni Lombard and Cameron Dawson, both inked until 2029. Meanwhile, Curtis Langdon renews his commitment with Northampton Saints, and Ulster welcomes Ben Donnell, enriching their forward options.
Shifting tides in South African rugby see fly-half Lombard leave Johannesburg's Lions for the Sharks, a move paralleled by prop Dawson who transitions from the Cheetahs. This duo joins Sharks following their 2024 EPRC Challenge Cup victory, setting high expectations for their tenure in Durban.
Lombard, with a resume that includes a stint in Japan's Red Hurricanes Osaka and play for the South Africa XV in 2022, brings international flair. Dawson, who debuted with the Cheetahs in Super Rugby Unlocked 2020, has already shown his mettle with the Sharks as injury cover this season.
On the English front, Curtis Langdon remains a fixture at Northampton Saints. Despite a challenging season marred by shoulder surgery, Langdon is poised for a strong return. "Mentally, this season has been tough... but I’m getting there now, and I’m really looking forward to contributing towards the back end of the season," Langdon shared.
"The support the Club has shown me throughout my recovery has been outstanding, and has helped me push through the difficult moments."
His commitment has been instrumental in past glories, including a PREM Rugby title and a near miss in the Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Begles.
Phil Dowson, Saints' director of rugby, praises Langdon's impact and resilience. "He’s an outstanding talent... always competitive," Dowson noted, underscoring the hooker's anticipated return to play.
Ulster's strategic signing of Ben Donnell from Cardiff adds a versatile back-five forward to their ranks, capable of playing multiple positions. "I’m really pleased to be signing for Ulster Rugby. With my family roots in Belfast, it makes the move even more special for me," Donnell expressed. Rory Best, Ulster's general manager, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Donnell's robust experience and ball-carrying prowess as key assets for the team.
As the teams prepare for upcoming challenges, these strategic signings and renewals are set to significantly influence their respective squads’ dynamics and performance in the seasons ahead.
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The Sharks are gearing up for a robust 2026/27 season with the acquisition of Gianni Lombard and Cameron Dawson, both inked until 2029. Meanwhile, Curtis Langdon renews his commitment with Northampton Saints, and Ulster welcomes Ben Donnell, enriching their forward options.
Shifting tides in South African rugby see fly-half Lombard leave Johannesburg's Lions for the Sharks, a move paralleled by prop Dawson who transitions from the Cheetahs. This duo joins Sharks following their 2024 EPRC Challenge Cup victory, setting high expectations for their tenure in Durban.
Lombard, with a resume that includes a stint in Japan's Red Hurricanes Osaka and play for the South Africa XV in 2022, brings international flair. Dawson, who debuted with the Cheetahs in Super Rugby Unlocked 2020, has already shown his mettle with the Sharks as injury cover this season.
On the English front, Curtis Langdon remains a fixture at Northampton Saints. Despite a challenging season marred by shoulder surgery, Langdon is poised for a strong return. "Mentally, this season has been tough... but I’m getting there now, and I’m really looking forward to contributing towards the back end of the season," Langdon shared.
"The support the Club has shown me throughout my recovery has been outstanding, and has helped me push through the difficult moments."
His commitment has been instrumental in past glories, including a PREM Rugby title and a near miss in the Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Begles.Phil Dowson, Saints' director of rugby, praises Langdon's impact and resilience. "He’s an outstanding talent... always competitive," Dowson noted, underscoring the hooker's anticipated return to play.
Ulster's strategic signing of Ben Donnell from Cardiff adds a versatile back-five forward to their ranks, capable of playing multiple positions. "I’m really pleased to be signing for Ulster Rugby. With my family roots in Belfast, it makes the move even more special for me," Donnell expressed. Rory Best, Ulster's general manager, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Donnell's robust experience and ball-carrying prowess as key assets for the team.
As the teams prepare for upcoming challenges, these strategic signings and renewals are set to significantly influence their respective squads’ dynamics and performance in the seasons ahead.