In the sprawling ocean that is the 2025-26 Vodacom URC, Sharks coach John Plumtree has cast a wide net with a 65-man squad. However, there’s a snag in their setup: nine players are missing from the roster as the season approaches, not counting their Springbok warriors. Given the triple threat of URC, Champions Cup, and Springbok Test duties, the depth of the squad isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for survival.
The recent Currie Cup was less a tournament and more a talent forge for the Sharks, with standouts like Junior Boks Vusi Moyo and Matt Romao, and Currie Cup captain Nick Hatton, proving they're more than ready for the big leagues. These lads are stepping into a team still buzzing from snagging third place and the SA Shield last season.
Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing. “We have some injuries, particularly around lock with Corne Rahl and Emile van Heerden, with the latest being Siya Masuku, and Jordan Hendrikse who has been on the long-term injury list, so we have a few problems,” admitted Plumtree.
"But there is still a lot of quality within our team: we have some loan players, Cameron Dawson from the Cheetahs and Cebo Dlamini from Griquas, along with a couple of new recruits, Eduan Swart and Ross Braude from the Pumas."
Plumtree’s knack for understatement might just be his secret weapon. With the short-term loans and new blood, the Sharks are not just patching holes—they’re reinforcing their ranks. Jimmy Stonehouse, apparently, is the go-to man when you need a lifeline in player form.
As the team gears up in their new jerseys—hopefully as tough and vibrant as their wearer’s spirits—the Sharks are setting their sights beyond the immediate hurdles. With a roster blending youth and experience, including stars like Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, the Sharks' strategy seems clear: adapt, overcome, and aim for glory.
Sharks squad includes: Albie Bester, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Bathobele Hlekani, Bongi Mbonambi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Cameron Dawson, Ceano Everson, Cebo Dlamini, Christie Grobbelaar, Coetzee Le Roux, Cornelus Rahl, Deon Slabbert, Dian Bleuler, Dian Heunis, Diego Appollis, Eben Etzebeth, Eduan Swart, Edwill van der Merwe, Emile van Heerden, Emmanuel Tshituka, Ethan Bester, Ethan Hooker, Fezokuhle Mbatha, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Hakeem Kunene, Hanro Jacobs, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jannes Potgieter, Jason Jenkins, Jean Smith, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Litelihle Bester, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Marnus Potgieter, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Mawande Md
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In the sprawling ocean that is the 2025-26 Vodacom URC, Sharks coach John Plumtree has cast a wide net with a 65-man squad. However, there’s a snag in their setup: nine players are missing from the roster as the season approaches, not counting their Springbok warriors. Given the triple threat of URC, Champions Cup, and Springbok Test duties, the depth of the squad isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for survival.
The recent Currie Cup was less a tournament and more a talent forge for the Sharks, with standouts like Junior Boks Vusi Moyo and Matt Romao, and Currie Cup captain Nick Hatton, proving they're more than ready for the big leagues. These lads are stepping into a team still buzzing from snagging third place and the SA Shield last season.
Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing. “We have some injuries, particularly around lock with Corne Rahl and Emile van Heerden, with the latest being Siya Masuku, and Jordan Hendrikse who has been on the long-term injury list, so we have a few problems,” admitted Plumtree.
"But there is still a lot of quality within our team: we have some loan players, Cameron Dawson from the Cheetahs and Cebo Dlamini from Griquas, along with a couple of new recruits, Eduan Swart and Ross Braude from the Pumas."
Plumtree’s knack for understatement might just be his secret weapon. With the short-term loans and new blood, the Sharks are not just patching holes—they’re reinforcing their ranks. Jimmy Stonehouse, apparently, is the go-to man when you need a lifeline in player form.
As the team gears up in their new jerseys—hopefully as tough and vibrant as their wearer’s spirits—the Sharks are setting their sights beyond the immediate hurdles. With a roster blending youth and experience, including stars like Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, the Sharks' strategy seems clear: adapt, overcome, and aim for glory.
Sharks squad includes: Albie Bester, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Bathobele Hlekani, Bongi Mbonambi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Cameron Dawson, Ceano Everson, Cebo Dlamini, Christie Grobbelaar, Coetzee Le Roux, Cornelus Rahl, Deon Slabbert, Dian Bleuler, Dian Heunis, Diego Appollis, Eben Etzebeth, Eduan Swart, Edwill van der Merwe, Emile van Heerden, Emmanuel Tshituka, Ethan Bester, Ethan Hooker, Fezokuhle Mbatha, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Hakeem Kunene, Hanro Jacobs, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jannes Potgieter, Jason Jenkins, Jean Smith, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Litelihle Bester, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Marnus Potgieter, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Mawande Md