- The Sharks are preparing for a demanding European tour, but several familiar Springbok faces will not be making the trip with the initial squad
- JP Pietersen has some selection challenges to navigate as the Durban side prepares for three successive overseas fixtures
- A key injury concern and the return of two players add further intrigue to the Sharks' European campaign
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JP Pietersen will take a 28-player Sharks squad into a three-week European campaign spanning France, Wales and Ireland. Their first test comes against Lyon on Saturday, 17 October 2026, as the Durban outfit begins its overseas schedule.
Several Springboks will not travel with the initial group, including injured lock Eben Etzebeth and internationals who are serving mandatory rest periods. The Sharks plan to bring in additional players during the tour, with reinforcements expected as the campaign unfolds.
Eben Etzebeth injury adds to Sharks' selection concerns
Rugby365 reports that Etzebeth is the biggest name missing after suffering a lower-limb injury during the Sharks' 39-22 defeat to the Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
The Sharks confirmed that the second-row forward is awaiting further medical examinations to establish the extent of the injury.
Springboks Vusi Moyo and Makazole Mapimpi are also absent. Moyo sustained a shoulder injury against the Stormers, while Mapimpi continues his recovery from a long-term hamstring problem.
Captain Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe are unavailable because of mandatory rest.
Sharks welcome back injured players
Pietersen will have two returning players available for the European campaign, with Vincent Tshituka and Jaco Williams both included after recovering from injury.
The Sharks open their tour against Lyon in France before heading to Wales for a clash with Cardiff. Their final assignment will be against Munster in Ireland towards the end of October.
Lyon, who won the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2022, will host the Durban side at the 35,000-seater Stade de Gerland. The Sharks claimed the same competition's title in 2024, adding extra significance to their opening European encounter.
Sharks face demanding European schedule
The three-match tour will test the depth of Pietersen's squad, particularly with several Springboks unavailable at the outset. The coaching staff will also have to manage the physical demands of successive matches across different countries.
The Sharks' ability to navigate the opening fixture against Lyon could set the tone for the remainder of their European campaign.
Source: Getty Images
JP Pietersen finds positives after Sharks' Stormers defeat
Briefly News previously reported that Sharks coach JP Pietersen remained encouraged by his players' fighting spirit despite their 39-22 defeat to the Stormers on 10 October 2026.
The Durban side had to contend with injuries to key players and two yellow cards that left them defending with 13 men.
Source: Briefly News