Sharks look forward to the future

Head coach John Plumtree has fortified the Sharks’ tight five for the foreseeable future by securing the services of two of South Africa’s rising scrummagers.

Hooker Ethan Bester and loosehead prop Phatu Ganyane have put pen to paper on contract extensions that will keep them at Kings Park until June 2028 and 2027, respectively.

A Junior Springbok standout in 2024, the 20-year-old Bester has already made seven appearances for the Sharks across the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup this season, including one start.

Ethan Bester is here to stay 🙌#BackOnTheDottedLine pic.twitter.com/5KqJhrmmc6

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) March 10, 2025

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He is seen as a strong contender to challenge Fez Mbatha and Dylan Richardson to succeed two-time Springbok world champion Bongi Mbonambi in the No 2 jersey.

Ganyane (22) has been an SA U20 regular for the last two years and with Springbok prop Ntuthuko Mchunu set to join the Stormers next season and Trevor Nyakane sidelined after ankle surgery, the youngster is primed for a bigger role in the front row.

Still in the Fight. Still in the Family. 💯#BackOnTheDottedLine pic.twitter.com/qteor3bt0A

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) March 10, 2025

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Image