Pietersen Unveils 67-Man Sharks Squad: Springbok Stars & All Black Legend Nonu Named
Hollywoodbets Sharks coach JP Pietersen has named a robust 67-man squad for the 2026/27 Vodacom United Rugby Championship (VURC) campaign ahead of next weekend’s tournament opener.
Following a productive pre-season, the Durban franchise enters the campaign with a squad assembled to withstand a demanding nine-month dual-competition schedule across the VURC and EPCR. Pre-season training prioritized conditioning, tactical combinations, and squad resilience.
The 67-man group—comprising 36 forwards and 31 backs—balances rising domestic talent with seasoned international stars.
The squad features prominent Springboks Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen, Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Hooker, Ox Nche, and Edwill van der Merwe. They line up alongside emerging players who recently starred in the World Rugby Junior Championship and Carling Currie Cup.
Proven international experience further bolsters the group, with Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, and Makazole Mapimpi providing core strength. Former All Black legend Ma’a Nonu will also play a crucial mentorship role for the squad’s young backline.
The Sharks open their VURC campaign on September 26 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park against Ospreys, before hosting Leinster in Durban the following week.
Hollywoodbets Sharks 2026/27 VURC Squad
Forwards (36): Albertus (Albie) Bester, Bongi Mbonambi, Cameron Dawson, Coetzee le Roux, Corne’ Rahl, Darrien Landsberg, Deon Slabbert, Dian Heunis, Eben Etzebeth, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Emmanuel (Manu) Tshituka, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Fezokuhle (Fez) Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Hendre’ Stassen, Janco Purchase, Jannes Potgieter, Jason Jenkins, Johan Momsen, Juan Loots, Khuthadzo (Khuthi) Rasivhaga, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Liam van Wyk, Nicholas (Nick) Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Phendulani (Phepsi) Buthelezi, Phiwayinkosi (Rambo) Kubheka, Retshegofaditswe (Ox) Nche, Stephan Lewies, Thomas du Toit, Thomas Dyer, Tinotenda (Tino) Mavesere, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka.
Backs (31): Andre Esterhuizen, Bradley Davids, Ceano Everson, Donavan Don, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Gianni Lombard, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle (Lili) Bester, Luan Giliomee, Lyle Matthews, Ma’a Nonu, Makazole Mapimpi, Matt Romao, Matthew Fortuin, Murray Koster, Nemo Roelofse, Phikolomzi (PK) Sobahle, Ross Braude, Simphiwe Matanzima, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siya Masuku, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Vusi Moyo, Yaw Penxe, Zekhethelo Siyaya.
