Hooker And Davids Sign Until 2029

The Hollywoodbets Sharks have secured a massive double-signing boost, locking down rising Springbok star Ethan Hooker and dynamic scrum-half Bradley Davids on long-term contract extensions at Kings Park until the end of the 2029 season.

Both 23-year-olds have committed their futures to the Durban-based franchise until 2029.

Davids has played an increasingly important role during the latter stages of the Sharks’ United Rugby Championship campaign following injuries to Grant Williams and Jaden Hendrikse.

However, it is Hooker’s extension — with his reputation having grown rapidly over the past 18 months — that has generated the most excitement on the East Coast.

Although Hooker was already contracted until 2027, the Sharks moved quickly to secure one of South Africa’s brightest emerging talents by extending his deal and ensuring he remains with the union for the foreseeable future.

The Westville-born utility back made his international debut for the Springboks against Italy national rugby union team on 12 July 2025. However, it was his performance on the right wing against the New Zealand national rugby union team in Wellington during the Rugby Championship that truly captured attention.

Making his first start in the green and gold, Hooker played a pivotal role in the Springboks’ emphatic 43-10 victory — a result that sent shockwaves through the rugby world.

He capped off a remarkable season by earning eight Springbok caps and scoring two tries before being named SA Rugby’s Young Player of the Year.

Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short in April when he dislocated his shoulder while scoring a try against Ospreys after Luke Morgan dived onto him.

The versatile back subsequently underwent surgery and is expected to miss the Springboks’ opening Nations Championship Tests against England national rugby union team, Scotland national rugby union team, and Wales national rugby union team.

The good news for both the Sharks and the Springboks is that Hooker is expected to return in time for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks in August and September.

“For me, it’s about knowing how capable the Sharks are,” said Hooker.

“We’ve been through some lows, as everybody knows, and it just wouldn’t feel right for me to leave this jersey knowing what this team is capable of achieving.

“We are a team capable of winning trophies, producing great performances at home, and creating special moments. I want to be part of that journey.

“I feel that by staying at the Sharks, I can experience all of that here, and I want to achieve those things before possibly finding my feet somewhere else.”

Hooker also expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received so far in his career.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for the chance to continue creating special memories.

“That’s another reason why I decided to re-sign. I’m not ready to leave yet. It’s all happened very quickly for me, and I just want to keep building on it.”

In addition to the contract extensions of Hooker and Davids, the Sharks are also set to welcome several high-profile additions, including Springboks Thomas du Toit and Ivan van Zyl.

Coach JP Pietersen has emphasised the importance of maintaining balance within the squad, and with these latest developments — combining exciting young talent with experienced internationals — the Sharks appear well positioned to compete strongly across all competitions next season.