Rugby transfers: Cheslin Kolbe’s homecoming, Springbok’s future decided and Sharks shift interest after failed James O’Connor bid
Springboks backs Cheslin Kolbe and Ethan Hooker.
In our latest transfer rumours and updates, we take a look at a Springbok’s potential return, the Sharks’ recruitment drive and what’s next for a retired Bull.
Ethan Hooker decides his future while Sharks confirm new signings and departures
Springboks star Ethan Hooker has committed his future to the Sharks through to the end of the 2028/29 season, the club confirmed earlier this week.
The 23-year-old made his debut for the Durban-based side in 2023, and his importance to the team has only grown since, as he played a pivotal role in their run to the Challenge Cup trophy in his first full season with the senior squad.
However, last year was a real breakout for the young back as his performances earned him a call-up to the Springboks squad. He made his Test debut off the bench against the All Blacks at Eden Park and ended the year with eight Test caps, two tries, and a nomination for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year. While he was beaten by New Zealand’s Fabian Holland to that gong, he did claim the SA Rugby Men’s Young Player of the Year.
The announcement that Hooker will be sticking around through to 2029 came off the back of the Sharks confirming the latest additions and departures from the club.
Notably, the long-rumoured signing of Saracens scrum-half Ivan van Zyl, who has effectively been recruited to offset the departure of fellow Bok number nine Grant Williams, who has signed a deal with an undisclosed Japanese club. Thomas du Toit, Stephan Lewies, Murray Koster, Nemo Roelofse, Donovan Don, Ginanni Lombard, Hendré Stassen, and Esethu Mnebelele are the other new signings joining the Durbanites, while Siya Kolisi, Francois Venter, Jean Smith, Luan Giliomee, Marvin Orie, Le Roux Malan, Hakeem Kuene, Tiaan Fourie, and Mawande Mdanda depart the coastal club.
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Sharks circle halfback options with Springboks prodigy on their radar
While Van Zyl has been recruited to plug Williams’ void, the Sharks are reportedly keeping tabs on the scrum-half situation at the Lions with a particular interest around Haashim Pead.
The 20-year-old is one of the brightest prospects in South Africa right now, and while he is contracted to the Jo’burgers through to 2028, a lack of gametime could force an earlier departure with Pead battling Springbok Morne van Berg and Nico Steyn for minutes.
“I suspect everyone is interested in Pead and the Sharks are no exception,” an ‘impeccable source’ told Afrikaans publication, Rapport.
“I don’t think the Lions will let him go, and the Sharks are not in formal discussions with them.”
The publication adds that the Sharks’ interest in the number nine could only increase due to concerns over Jaden Hendrikse, who has suffered multiple concussions this season. There is a fear that if they don’t manage him correctly, he could be forced to sit out several months of action like Venter.
Meanwhile, RugbyPass reports that the Sharks are considering a move for Gloucester fly-half Ross Byrne, with head coach JP Pietersen eager to add an experienced number 10 to his squad ahead of next season.
James O’Connor and Tommaso Allan were reportedly on their shortlist too, but the former is primed for a return to Australia while the latter has signed with Italian club Zebre Parma.
Dobbo continues to bid to sign Cheslin Kolbe
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has not given up on luring double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe back to Cape Town, according to Rapport.
Dobson has openly admitted that he wants Kolbe to be part of the club’s leadership group and play through to 2029. The speedster remains high on the coach’s priority list, according to the report, even though he re-signed with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath through to the end of the 2026/27 season.
The interest in Kolbe has only been further piqued after Dylan Maart rejected a return to the Stormers after a successful loan spell from the Griquas and instead opted to sign with the Bulls ahead of next season.
Meanwhile, the report adds that the Stormers are still in discussions with Los Pumas lock Tomas Lavanini who could be recruited to fill Salmaan Moerat’s void when the Springboks captain leaves to join La Rochelle at the end of the current campaign. Ruben van Heerden is also off to France after signing with Montpellier, and the Stormers have been in the market for a second rower to fill the shortfall.
Rapport states that the Stormers are keen to secure the services of Lavanini who is currently plying his trade with the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific, while talks fell through with a Fijian international lock. Dobson also reached out to Bulls and Boks lock Cobus Wiese, but he opted to extend his stay in Pretoria.
Springboks legend pinpoints ‘main benefit’ from Rassie Erasmus’ selections: ‘You don’t forget that’
Bulls role awaits Johan Goosen
Former Springboks fly-half Johan Goosen could remain in Pretoria and step into a coaching role at the Bulls, according to Rapport.
The 33-year-old has not officially announced his retirement, but is expected to do so after his continued injury setbacks and now could move to coaching the Bulls’ youth structures. Goosen worked as the Bulls’ u23s attack and kicking coach who beat the Lions 33-32 in the SA Rugby Under-23 Cup final last weekend and could continue in that role.
READ MORE: ‘That cost Razor’ – Springboks legend’s theory on Graham Henry’s All Blacks return
