Ma’a Nonu named in massive Sharks URC squad

Sharks coach JP Pietersen has named a 67-man squad for the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season, ahead of the tournament’s commencement next weekend.

Pieter has named an expansive squad, with the Sharks stating: “Following a productive pre-season, the Sharks enter the new campaign with a squad that has been carefully assembled to meet the demands of what promises to be an intensive and highly competitive nine-month season. Preparation has focused on building fitness, developing combinations and creating the depth and resilience required to compete across multiple competitions.”

The squad includes 31 backs and 36 forwards, aiming to strike a balance between youth and experience.

Amongst those named are Springboks Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen, Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Hooker, Ox Nche and Edwill van der Merwe, alongside a group of emerging players who have featured in the World Rugby Junior Championship and Currie Cup.

The squad also includes a wealth of URC and international experience, with the likes of the Hendrikse and Tshituka brothers, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Koch and Makazole Mapimpi bringing significant experience to the group.

Meanwhile, veteran All Black Ma’a Nonu will also play an important mentorship role with the young backs in the squad.

Sharks 2026/27 URC Squad

Forwards: 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, Jannes Potgieter, Jason Jenkins, Johan Momsen, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Liam van Wyk, Matt Romao, Nemo Roelofse, Nicholas (Nick) Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Phendulani (Phepsi) Buthelezi, Phiwayinkosi (Rambo) Kubheka, Retshegofaditswe (Ox) Nche, Simphiwe Matanzima, Simphiwe Ngobese, Stephan Lewies, Thomas du Toit, Thomas Dyer, Tinotenda (Tino) Mavesere, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka,

Backs: Albertus (Albie) Bester, Andre Esterhuizen, Bradley Davids, Ceano Everson, Donavan Don, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Gianni Lombard, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Janco Purchase, Jordan Hendrikse, Juan Loots, Jurenzo Julius, Khuthadzo (Khuthi) Rasivhaga, Litelihle (Lili) Bester, Luan Giliomee, Lyle Matthews, Ma’a Nonu, Makazole Mapimpi, Matthew Fortuin, Murray Koster, Phikolomzi (PK) Sobahle, Ross Braude, Siya Masuku, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Vusi Moyo, Yaw Penxe, Zekhethelo Siyaya

Ready for battle

The Sharks’ campaign gets underway on 26 September at Kings Park against the Ospreys, before welcoming Leinster to Durban in the following round.

Two challenging fixtures on home soil provide the perfect opportunity for the Sharks – who recently underwent a club rebrand – to establish their intent from the outset.

“The objective is to build a team that is resilient, competitive and capable of responding to the challenges of a demanding season,” the Sharks stated.