Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach John Plumtree has selected a 29-man squad to travel to Europe for the three-match tour in the 2025/26 Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

With numerous Springboks unavailable, alongside a lengthy injury list, the squad, consisting of 17 forwards and 12 backs, still boasts players of top class calibre, including several Springboks, new signings and a handful of junior talent that have come through the ranks at age group, junior international and Carling Currie Cup level.

Players not considered for selection due to injury include Albie Bester, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Diego Appollis, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Gideon Koegelenberg, Hanro Jacobs, Jaco Williams, Jason Jenkins, Jannes Potgieter, Jean Smith, Jordan Hendrikse, Litelihle Bester, Phatu Ganyane, Siya Masuku and Trevor Nyakane.

“The pre-season was a bit disjointed with injuries and players unavailable, as well as players involved in the Carling Currie Cup campaign,” explained the coach on the eve of departure.

“However, over the last few weeks it’s been good to get everyone back in and start building towards this tour. So, there are some challenges.”

Looking ahead to their three-match tour and the first-round match against the 2024 champions, Plumtree admitted that his team has a big challenge lying ahead.

“Glasgow are obviously a tough side, a champion team two years ago and always tough to beat at home, so it’s going to be a massive challenge for the boys.

“The Dragons in week two in Wales will also be demanding, in the early part of the season these teams are all tough to beat when they’re all fresh.

“Then finishing with Leinster, that’s going to be another big game, it’s Leinster after all.

“But we’re ready to go and looking forward to getting away and spending some time together. Vincent Tshituka is our captain, Lukhanyo Am is also there, Jason Jenkins, Swys Venter and Jaden Hendrikse too, some good senior players, good leaders.”

FORWARDS
1. Bathobele Hlekani
2. Cameron Dawson
3. Cebo Dlamini
4. Dian Bleuler
5. Eduan Swart
6. Emmanuel Tshituka
7. Fez Mbatha
8. Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
9. Marvin Orie
10. Mawande Mdanda
11. Nick Hatton
12. Phepsi Buthelezi
13. Ruan Dreyer
14. Simphiwe Matanzima
15. Tino Mavesere
16. Vincent Tshituka (c)
17. Willem van den Hever

BACKS
1. Ceano Everson
2. Christie Grobbelaar
3. Edwill van der Merwe
4. Francois Venter
5. Hakeem Kunene
6. Jaden Hendrikse
7. Jurenzo Julius
8. Lukhanyo Am
9. Phikolomzi Sobahle
10. Jean Smith
11. Ross Braude
12. Yaw Penxe