Sharks head off on European adventure

The Hollywoodbets Sharks get their 2025/26 Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign underway with an away match against the Glasgow Warriors on Friday evening and Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach John Plumtree has selected a 29-man squad to travel to Europe for the three-match tour (that also includes matches against the Dragons and Leinster).

With numerous Springboks unavailable, alongside a lengthy injury list, the squad, consisting of 17 forwards and 12 backs, still boasts players of top class calibre, including several Springboks, new signings and a handful of junior talent that have come through the ranks at age group, junior international and Carling Currie Cup level.

Players not considered for selection due to injury include Albie Bester, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Diego Appollis, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Gideon Koegelenberg, Hanro Jacobs, Jaco Williams, Jason Jenkins, Jannes Potgieter, Jean Smith' Jordan Hendrikse, Litelihle Bester, Phatu Ganyane, Siya Masuku and Trevor Nyakane.

“The pre-season was a bit disjointed with injuries and players unavailable, as well as players involved in the Carling Currie Cup campaign,” explained the coach on the eve of departure.

“However, over the last few weeks it’s been good to get everyone back in and start building towards this tour. So, there are some challenges.”

Looking ahead to their three-match tour and the first-round match against the 2024 champions, Plumtree admitted that his team has a big challenge lying ahead.

“Glasgow are obviously a tough side, a champion team two years ago and always tough to beat at home, so it’s going to be a massive challenge for the boys.

“The Dragons in week two in Wales will also be demanding, in the early part of the season these teams are all tough to beat when they’re all fresh.

“Then finishing with Leinster, that’s going to be another big game, it’s Leinster after all.

“But we’re ready to go and looking forward to getting away and spending some time together. Vincent Tshituka is our captain, Lukhanyo Am is also there, Jason Jenkins, Swys Venter and Jaden Hendrikse too, some good senior players, good leaders.”

Squad

Forwards: Bathobele Hlekani, Cameron Dawson, Cebo Dlamini, Dian Bleuler, Eduan Swart, Emmanuel Tshituka, Fez Mbatha, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Marvin Orie, Mawande Mdanda, Nick Hatton, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Tino Mavesere, Vincent Tshituka (capt), Willem van den Hever.

Backs: Ceano Everson, Christie Grobbelaar, Edwill van der Merwe, Francois Venter, Hakeem Kunene, Jaden Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, Phikolomzi Sobahle, Jean Smith, Ross Braude, Yaw Penxe.