The Cell C Sharks on Thursday unveiled their provisional Super Rugby training squad ahead of the 2016 season.
As expected, lock Ruan Botha joins from the Stormers on a 2-year deal to soften the blow of Pieter-Steph du Toit moving the other way.
“Ruan is a young player with a bright future ahead of him. He was part of the SA Under 20 squad that won the IRB Junior Championship in 2012 and we look forward to his progress in the black and white jersey,” Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold told the franchise’s website.
“This squad will be re-looked at in the New Year, when our other squad members return.”
There are another 9 players currently undergoing rehab for various injuries, while 6 have been released including flyhalf Lionel Cronje, lock Marco Wentzel and centre Waylon Murray.
The Cell C Sharks are looking to bounce back from their 2015 Super Rugby campaign, where they finished a disappointing 11th on the combined log.
This current squad will be bolstered by the return of Japanese-based players, namely Marcell Coetzee, Willie le Roux, JP Pietersen, Jacques Potgieter and Renaldo Bothma, who will join the squad in January 2016.
Sharks provisional training squad:
Forwards: Aaron Schramm, Barend Potgieter, Christiaan de Bruin, Coenie Oosthuizen, Dale Chadwick, David McDuling, Etienne Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Francois Kleinhans, Gerhard Engelbrecht, Hyron Andrews, Jean Deysel, Kyle Cooper, Beast Mtawarira, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Monde Hadebe, Mzamo Majola, Philip van der Walt, Ruan Botha, Sias Koen, Thomas du Toit.
Backs: André Esterhuizen, Cobus Reinach, Garth April, Heimar Williams, Innocent Radebe, Joe Pietersen, Johan Deysel, Lukhanyo Am, Lwazi Mvovo, Marius Louw, Michael Claassens, Odwa Ndungane, Pat Lambie, Paul Jordaan, Sibusiso Nkosi, S’bura Sithole, Stefan Ungerer, Wandile Mjekevu.
Players undergoing rehab: Beast Mtawarira, Conrad Hoffmann, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Juan Schoeman, Khaya Majola, Lourens Adriaanse, Stephan Lewies, Tera Mtembu.
Players released: Jaco van Tonder, JC Astle, Lionel Cronje, Marco Wentzel, Waylon Murray, Wiehan Hay.
Players currently in Japan: Marcell Coetzee, Willie le Roux, JP Pietersen, Jacques Potgieter and Renaldo Bothma.
Sport24