Sharks Unveil Star-Studded Squad for Upcoming Vodacom Championship

Hollywoodbets Sharks Head Coach John Plumtree Unveils 65-Man Squad

The Hollywoodbets Sharks have announced a comprehensive 65-man squad for the upcoming Vodacom United Rugby Championship (VURC), set to commence next week. With a demanding season that includes the VURC, Investec Champions Cup, and Springbok international duties, team depth will be crucial to the Sharks’ aspirations over the next nine months.

The recent Carling Currie Cup campaign has provided an excellent platform for emerging talent, reinforcing the coaching staff’s commitment to developing young players. The success of the Junior Boks at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship has further enriched the squad.

Balancing experience with youth can be challenging, but the competitive exposure the young Sharks players have recently received positions them well for the VURC. Notable Junior Boks such as Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), Matt Romao (loose forward), Jaco Williams (wing/fullback), and Ceano Everson (scrumhalf) join experienced players like Carling Currie Cup captain Nick Hatton, helping to bolster the squad's depth and quality following their commendable third-place finish and SA Shield victory in the previous season.

Despite the anticipated absence of several Springboks for the next two months, the Sharks have made strategic player acquisitions and secured loans from other unions to mitigate the impact on both playing and coaching resources.

“Injuries have impacted our squad, particularly in the lock position with Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, and recent injuries to Siya Masuku and Jordan Hendrikse,” said Plumtree. “Currently, around nine URC players will be unavailable alongside the Springboks, but we have strong depth and quality in the team.”

Plumtree highlighted the contributions of loan players Cameron Dawson from the Toyota Cheetahs and Cebo Dlamini from Suzuki Griquas, as well as new recruits Eduan Swart and Ross Braude from Airlink Pumas, as key additions that enhance the squad's overall strength.

Hollywoodbets Sharks VURC Squad

1. Albie Bester

2. Andre Esterhuizen

3. Aphelele Fassi

4. Bathobele Hlekani

5. Bongi Mbonambi

6. Bradley Davids

7. Bryce Calvert

8. Cameron Dawson

9. Ceano Everson

10. Cebo Dlamini

11. Christie Grobbelaar

12. Coetzee Le Roux

13. Cornelus Rahl

14. Deon Slabbert

15. Dian Bleuler

16. Dian Heunis

17. Diego Appollis

18. Eben Etzebeth

19. Eduan Swart

20. Edwill van der Merwe

21. Emile van Heerden

22. Emmanuel Tshituka

23. Ethan Bester

24. Ethan Hooker

25. Fezokuhle Mbatha

26. Francois Venter

27. Grant Williams

28. Hakeem Kunene

29. Hanro Jacobs

30. Jaco Williams

31. Jaden Hendrikse

32. Jannes Potgieter

33. Jason Jenkins

34. Jean Smith

35. Jordan Hendrikse

36. Jurenzo Julius

37. Lee-Marvin Mazibuko

38. Litelihle Bester

39. Lukhanyo Am

40. Makazola Mapimpi

41. Marnus Potgieter

42. Marvin Orie

43. Matt Romao

44. Mawande Mdanda

45. Meno Barnard

46. Nick Hatton

47. Ox Nche

48. Phatu Ganyane

49. Phepsi Buthelezi

50. Phikolomzi Sobahle

51. Ross Braude

52. Ruan Dreyer

53. Simphiwe Matanzima

54. Simphiwe Ngobese

55. Siya Masuku

56. Siyamthanda Kolisi

57. Thomas Dyer

58. Tiaan Fourie

59. Tinotenda Mavesere

60. Trevor Nyakane

61. Vincent Koch

62. Vincent Tshituka

63. Vusi Moyo

64. Willem van den Hever

65. Yaw Penxe