Latest News & Developments
Injuries, form fluctuations and emerging talent could force Rassie Erasmus into a dramatic Springbok team overhaul sooner than expected. From fullback to front row, established World Cup winners face intense competition for their Test jerseys ahead of critical 2025 fixtures against the Wallabies, All Blacks and Ireland.
The Sharks have rested 14 senior players for Sunday's Challenge Cup playoff against Lyon, opting to prioritise their URC campaign while giving captain Nick Hatton and a youthful squad the chance to defend their title against a strong French side.
Despite boasting multiple Rugby World Cup winners like Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi, the Sharks are faltering due to poor team chemistry. Can the defending Challenge Cup champions rediscover their form against Lyon this weekend?
After surrendering 36 turnovers against Zebre, Sharks coach John Plumtree has identified key weaknesses to fix before facing a clinical Leinster side at Kings Park on Saturday in their crucial URC clash.
Sharks coach John Plumtree shares exclusive insights on 'absolute beast' Jordie Barrett ahead of Saturday's clash with Leinster, drawing from his experience coaching the All Black star at the Hurricanes and revealing the special midfield battle fans can expect in Durban.
With an impeccable United Rugby Championship home record on the line, the fourth-placed Sharks prepare to defend Fortress Kings Park against table-topping Leinster this Saturday – a clash that could prove pivotal in securing crucial home playoff advantages and cementing the Durban side's reputation as unbeatable on home soil.
Sharks lock Jason Jenkins discusses the formidable challenge of containing Springbok giant RG Snyman in Saturday's crucial URC match against Leinster in Durban, revealing there's 'no secret' to stopping his former teammate as the Sharks aim to improve on their narrow victory over Zebre.
The Sharks laboured to an uneasy 35-34 win over plucky Zebre in a United Rugby Championship match in Durban on Saturday.
The good news is that Springbok legend Eben Etzebeth has put his concussion problem behind him, but it will a few more weeks before he plays again for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.
Sharks centre Jurenzo Julius is knocking on the Springbok door after an invitation to the recent alignment camp and his winning of the Junior Springbok of the Year award.
Springbok legend Eben Etzebeth has been fighting a long-term battle with concussion and while his comeback is imminent, it won't be this week.
Discover how Jurenzo Julies, known as the 'Boogeyman', transitioned from a schoolboy rugby sensation to a contender for the Springboks, showcasing his remarkable journey and growth.
The Lions have their United Rugby Championship playoff hopes in their own hands despite their defeat to the Sharks, and coach Ivan van Rooyen is confident that they make the quarter-finals.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen was equally gutted in the post-match press conference as he reflected on what might have been, as the Sharks clinched the SA Shield as well in their bonus-point triumph.
Sharks coach John Plumtree was a happy coach after his team turned around their fortunes by beating the Lions and winning the SA Shield in the United Rugby Championship in Durban on Saturday
The Lions may have lost to the Sharks, but Morné van den Berg was deservedly chosen as the Player of the Match after a terrific display that would certainly have caught the attention of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
The Sharks completed a remarkable turnaround against the Lions when they turned an Ellis Park rout into victory at Kings Park on Saturday to land then the SA Shield in the United Rugby Championship.
Looking at his performances over the last few months, Lions lock Darrien Landsberg is clearly determined to keep on knocking on Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ door.
Sharks coach John Plumtree has voiced his disapproval of his team's effort in last weeks United Rugby Championship match between the Sharks and the Lions in Johannesburg.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has announced his team to face the Sharks, and both Springbok No 7 Ruan Venter and former Blitzboks star JC Pretorius were on a lengthy injury list.
IOL rugby writer Mike Greenaway casts his eye over the United Rugby Championship and the Six Nations, and predicts the weekend's winners.
The Lions travel to Durban on Saturday for a return match against the Sharks, and coach Ivan van Rooyen is certain that the home team will be much improved after a big loss last week at Ellis Park.
The Lions beat the Sharks 38-14 in Johannesburg last week, but assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher says it will be a different game when the same teams meet in Durban this weekend.
Ntuthuko Mchunu will arrive at the Stormers as the chief replacement for stalwart front-rower Steven Kitshoff, who announced his retirement last week due to a serious neck injury.
Ruben Schoeman returns from a five-match ban, ready to spearhead the Lions pack in their crucial URC clash against the Sharks.