Springbok prop Thomas du Toit is returning to Kings Park to headline a major wave of new signings for the Sharks ahead of the new URC campaign. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Thomas du Toit, the man regarded by many as the best player in the English Premiership, headlines the group of recruits announced by the Sharks for the forthcoming United Rugby Championship season.
It is three years since The Tank rolled out of Kings Park for new adventures at Bath, and during that time, he has enhanced his reputation immeasurably in Europe, while growing into a first-choice Springbok under Rassie Erasmus. Du Toit has, for two years in a row, featured in the Premiership’s Team of the Year.
Another form player in the English game, Ivan van Zyl, is also heading to Durban as a replacement for Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams, who has gone to Japan.
It was interesting to read not long ago that Fourie du Preez, arguably the Springboks’ greatest scrumhalf, rates Van Zyl very highly. Du Preez has been watching Van Zyl in action for Saracens and wonders why he remains out of the Springbok frame (he last played for the Boks in 2018).
London Harlequins lock Stephan Lewies would have played against Van Zyl and Du Toit on many occasions, and is likewise en route to The Tank. Lewies will be replacing Marvie Orie, who is leaving the Sharks. Like Du Toit and Lewies, centre Murray Koster is another former Shark making a return to Kings Park. The 27-year-old Koster has been playing in Japan.
While the Sharks are losing a Blitzbok in Luan Gilimoee (to the Bulls), they are gaining another in Donovan Don. The 24-year-old flyer came through with Boland in the Currie Cup before graduating to the Springbok Sevens.
While the Sharks have lost several players to the Bulls, they have a player moving in the opposite direction in the highly-rated Junior Bok hooker Esethu Mnebelele. A big future is predicted for the product of King Edward School in Johannesburg, who has been part of the Springbok alignment camps.
Rassie Erasmus wanted to take Mnebelele on last November’s tour to Europe, only for the youngster to be ruled out with a knee injury.
The Sharks have signed a hardened veteran prop in Nemo Roelefse, who has been playing in France for a decade. The 30-year-old left South Africa shortly after completing schooling at Landbouskool Oakdale in the South Western Districts. He has latterly played at Perpignan in the French Top 14.
The Sharks are understood to be talking to Ireland flyhalf Ross Byrne about a move to Durban, but in the meantime, they have signed Lions flyhalf Gianni Lombard.
Another Top 14 tight forward, lock Hendre Stassen, joins the Sharks after an eight-year career with Stade Francais. Stassen was a Junior Springbok in 2017.
In more good news for the union, Springbok wing Ethan Hooker — currently injured — has re-signed with the Sharks until 2029.
In: Murray Koster, Nemo Roelofse, Hendré Stassen, Esethu Mnebelele, Gianni Lombard, Ivan Van Zyl, Thomas Du Toit, Stephan Lewies, Donavan Don.
Out: Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Marvin Orie, Luan Giliomee, Jean Smith, Le Roux Malan, Mwanda Madanda.