Overview
- This week the Sharks announced a 67-man squad while the Stormers and Bulls unveiled 56- and 55-player groups respectively to start the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season.
- Sharks coach JP Pietersen has emphasised a youth-plus-experience policy and named veteran Ma’a Nonu as a backs mentor who remains available for selection if needed.
- Pietersen confirmed Springbok players will rejoin the Sharks after their Australia fixtures and remain with the club through the end of October before leaving for the end-of-year tour, and he said planned rotation and rest windows are integral to the season plan.
- Luan Giliomee will stay with the Sharks until his contract expires around October and then move to the Bulls on a three-year deal, creating a delayed arrival for the Pretoria side.
- Clubs expanded squads to absorb travel, injury and international-callup risk so emerging players will get more first-team chances while coaches’ rotation policies will shape early URC form and depth tests across the dual competitions.