JP Pietersen is framing the Sharks' failure to reach the URC playoffs not as a disappointment but as context for a rebuild that's already underway. Speaking after a 54-19 hammering of Zebre — a match that doubled as a farewell for Kolisi, Jean Smith, Le Roux Malan and Grant Williams — Pietersen pointed to the squad's age profile (roughly 60% under 23) as reason for genuine optimism. Names like Jurenzo Julius, Jaco Williams, Lilli Bester, Vusi Moyo and Zekhetelo Siyaya are the evidence he's leaning on, and he believes the depth is noticeably better than it was at the start of the season. The identity he's trying to build — fast, physical, relentless — is still a work in progress, but Pietersen is confident the pieces are in place heading into pre-season.
Pietersen sees identity taking shape despite Sharks' playoff miss
Pietersen argues the Sharks' youth-heavy squad is finding its identity despite missing the playoffs, pointing to emerging players and a 54-19 season-ending win as signs of genuine progress ahead of next season.
Kolisi bows out with a brace as Sharks thrash Zebre 54-19 in URC finale
Siya Kolisi scored twice in his final Sharks appearance as the franchise ended their URC season with a commanding 54-19 win over Zebre Parma in Durban, with André Esterhuizen dominant in the carry and teenage debutant fly-half Simphiwe Vusi Moyo contributing 15 points.
De Villiers warns Stormers risk repeating the Sharks' star-studded trap
De Villiers warns the Stormers risk the Sharks' trap — big Bok signings, brand value, but URC inconsistency when those players are away. He and Burger also take a pointed dig at the Lavanini link given his sin-bin habits.
Kolbe set for Stormers return from July 1 as Project 2029 takes shape
Cheslin Kolbe is reportedly set to return to the Stormers from July 1, with a multi-party funding arrangement — involving Roc Nations Sports, a third-party sponsor believed to be Sportybet, and SA Rugby's PONI structure — enabling his release from Suntory Sungoliath ahead of schedule.
Kolisi bids Kings Park farewell with a brace as youth-laden Sharks demolish Zebre
A youth-heavy Sharks side beat Zebre 54-19 in their URC season finale at Kings Park, with Siya Kolisi scoring twice in his farewell appearance before returning to the Stormers, while debutant flyhalf Vusi Moyo and fullback Zekhethelu Siyaya further pressed their cases.
Julius hat-trick and Esterhuizen masterclass power Sharks to 46-7 demolition of Benetton
Jurenzo Julius scored a hat-trick and Andre Esterhuizen delivered another commanding display as the Sharks beat Benetton 46-7 at Kings Park, with the scrum and lineout providing the platform for a comprehensive URC victory.