The Sharks are still reeling from the news that Eben Etzebeth will miss the large majority of their season after receiving a 12-week ban for his red card offence in the Springboks’ final Test of 2025.
It comes at a time when the Durban-based side would have loved to be able to call on the services of the powerful lock, who has played just 31 matches for the Sharks out of a possible 82 across the URC and EPCR competitions.
This week it’s also been reported that a big offer could be tabled for Springbok and Sharks captain Siya Kolisi, with Japan Rugby League One side the Kobelco Kobe Steelers believed to be targeting him as a new recruit.
According to RugbyPass, the lucrative nature of the offer could be a major drawcard for Kolisi, who has also only featured for the Sharks in fits and starts.
Sharks set for big coaching change
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that John Plumtree will soon step down as head coach after a run of results that are ‘not good enough’.
Plumtree is set to vacate his position at the end of the 2025/26 season, and reports now indicate that legendary former Sharks wing JP Pietersen has emerged as a strong contender to take over.
“As an ownership group and leadership team, we remain ambitious about the future of the Sharks and, over the coming months, no stone will be left unturned as we look to build a high-performance environment capable of delivering the success that our players are capable of and that our fans and partners deserve,” Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans commented.
‘Not good enough’
“Our performances this season have not been good enough,” Bryans added. “We owe it to our fans and stakeholders to acknowledge and take full responsibility — no excuses. That accountability sits across the entire organisation — from management and players, to myself as CEO.”
