Sharks bare their teeth: JP Pietersen's 67-man squad loaded for URC glory

The Durban-based franchise, the Sharks have unveiled a 67-man squad this week as they set their sights on conquering the United Rugby Championship in the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Despite lifting the Challenge Cup in 2024 and the SA Shield a year later, the URC title remains the one prize that has eluded the men in black and head coach JP Pietersen is determined to change that.

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The squad blends seasoned international muscle with exciting young talent. Springbok stalwarts Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, Makazole Mapimpi, André Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, and the Hendrikse brothers - Jaden and Jordan - form the experienced spine of a squad built to compete across a gruelling campaign.

The most eyebrow-raising addition, however, is former All Black centre Ma'a Nonu, who steps in as a mentor to the backline after his prominent role in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.

His world-class experience alongside young guns like Blitzbok flyers Donavan Don, Jurenzo Julius, and Gianni Lombard gives the Sharks a backline that is equal parts street-smart and dangerous.

With Siya Kolisi's departure to the Stormers leaving a leadership void, tighthead prop Thomas du Toit is expected to shoulder greater responsibility and bring the calm authority this squad requires when the pressure mounts on the road.

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The 67-man group is made up of 36 forwards and 31 backs, giving Pietersen the depth to rotate and manage a congested fixture schedule without sacrificing quality. 

For Pietersen, the message is simple, this group is resilient, competitive, and ready.

Sharks Full URC Squad:

Albertus (Albie) Bester, Andre 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, Emmanuel (Manu) Tshituka, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Ethan Hooker, Fezokuhle (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, Khuthadzo (Khuthi) Rasivhaga, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Liam van Wyk, Litelihle (Lili) Bester, Luan Giliomee, Lyle Matthews, Ma'a Nonu, Makazole Mapimpi, Matt Romao, Matthew Fortuin, Murray Koster, Nemo Roelofse, Nicholas (Nick) Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Phendulani (Phepsi) Buthelezi, Phikolomzi (PK) Sobahle, Phiwayinkosi (Rambo) Kubheka, Retshegofaditswe (Ox) Nche, Ross Braude, Simphiwe Matanzima, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siya Masuku, Stephan Lewies, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Thomas du Toit, Thomas Dyer, Tinotenda (Tino) Mavesere, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka, Vusi Moyo, Yaw Penxe, Zekhethelo Siyaya.

Related tags

Blitzboks JP Pietersen Siya Kolisi Springboks Thomas du Toit United Rugby Championship URC