Amid one of their worst-ever seasons, the Sharks have reportedly secured World Cup-winning Springboks André Esterhuizen and Trevor Nyakane for the 2024/25 campaign.
Amid one of their worst-ever seasons, the Sharks have reportedly secured World Cup-winning Springboks André Esterhuizen and Trevor Nyakane for the 2024/25 campaign.
The acquisitions, as reported by Rapport and RugbyPass, offer a glimmer of hope for Sharks coach John Plumtree, whose side is in last place in the United Rugby Championship after nine defeats in 10 matches.
Ex-Sharks, now Harlequins bruiser Esterhuizen is set to fill the void at inside centre left by Rohan Janse van Rensburg’s mid-season move to Japan.
Former Bull yster Nyakane, a versatile and seasoned prop from Racing 92, brings experience to the youthful front row at Kings Park.
After the Sharks’ 25-21 defeat to the Stormers on Saturday, Plumtree cited a backroom overhaul, injuries, and late returns of World Cup players as the stumbling blocks in his first year back at the helm.
He says: “I’m not making excuses here, but everything about this season has been about jumping into a cold bath.
“We’ve been working with a new coaching team, us getting to know each other, there have been a lot of injuries, the World Cup Springboks have come back late. So it’s been tough logistically for many reasons.
“It will be easier next year.”
