Sharks leave Bok heavyweights at home for demanding European tour

The Sharks have departed for a three-match European tour without several of their leading Springboks, who are taking mandatory rest following a demanding international rugby schedule.

Head coach JP Pietersen has named a 28-man travelling squad for fixtures in France, Wales and Ireland, beginning with Saturday’s European Challenge Cup encounter against Lyon at Stade de Gerland.

Springbok regulars André Esterhuizen, Ox Nché, Thomas du Toit, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe have been omitted from the initial touring party to fulfil compulsory rest requirements.

The five players could rejoin the squad for subsequent United Rugby Championship (URC) matches against Cardiff and Munster, although their availability has not been guaranteed.

The Sharks are also without veteran Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who sustained a lower-limb injury during last weekend’s 39-22 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town. Further medical assessments are expected to determine the extent of the injury.

The Durban franchise faces a difficult balancing act between maintaining momentum in the URC and managing the workload of its international players ahead of the Springboks’ November commitments.

There is, however, encouraging news for Pietersen, with Springboks Jordan Hendrikse and Vincent Tshituka returning from injury. Emile van Heerden and Jaco Williams are also available again, while former Stormers back Suleiman Hartzenberg and returning lock Stephan Lewies provide additional depth.

Pietersen has selected 17 forwards and 11 backs for the opening leg of the tour, with reinforcements expected as the three-week campaign progresses.

The Sharks will face Lyon, the 2022 Challenge Cup champions, before travelling to Wales to play Cardiff and then Ireland for their encounter with Munster.

The opening match will provide an early indication of whether the Sharks’ squad depth can compensate for the temporary loss of several established internationals.

Sources: SABC Sport, 14 October 2026; The Citizen, 14 October 2026; Rugby365, 14 October 2026; Daily News, 14 October 2026.