Have the Sharks already found a replacement for Siya Kolisi?

The Sharks are moving swiftly to strengthen their squad ahead of next season following confirmation that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will leave Durban to rejoin the Stormers.

Kolisi, a double Rugby World Cup winner, is set to return to Cape Town in July next year, linking up once again with John Dobson’s Stormers.

His decision is understood to be driven by personal reasons, with the 34-year-old keen to be closer to his children.

Despite still being in the process of appointing a permanent head coach – with former Sharks winger JP Pietersen currently serving in an interim role – the Durban-based franchise has continued with its recruitment plans for the 2026 season.

Sharks close in on Dan du Preez

According to reports, the Sharks are close to finalising the signing of Springbok No 8 Dan du Preez from English Premiership side Sale Sharks, where he has played since 2019.

Du Preez, a powerful ball-carrying loose forward, began his professional career at the Sharks after completing his schooling at Kearsney College.

He has since established himself as a key figure at Sale, where he played alongside his brothers Jean-Luc and Robert du Preez.

The Sharks have reportedly been searching for a dominant number eight, an area where they have lacked physicality in recent seasons, and see Du Preez as an ideal fit.

Jean-Luc du Preez recently left Sale to join French club Bordeaux, but has yet to make his debut due to injury, while Robert du Preez has signed with Top 14 side Bayonne.

Other recruitment moves

The Sharks also sounded out Leicester Tigers loose forward Hanro Liebenberg, but were unsuccessful, with the former Bulls captain believed to be eyeing a return to Pretoria.

In addition, the Durban outfit is set to welcome back experienced lock Stephan Lewies from Harlequins.

Lewies captained the English club to Premiership glory in 2021 and would add valuable depth alongside Eben Etzebeth, Jason Jenkins, Marvin Orie, Corne Rahl and Emile van Heerden.

Departures and re-signings

Meanwhile, scrumhalf Grant Williams is expected to leave the Sharks at the end of the season, with a move to Japan reportedly on the cards, while promising Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani is also set to join the Lions after signing with the Johannesburg-based franchise earlier this year.

The Sharks have, however, secured the futures of several key players.

Phepsi Buthelezi and Fez Mbatha have both extended their contracts until 2029, while Litelihle Bester (2028), Thomas Dyer (2027), Simphiwe Ngobese (2028), Dian Heunis (2028), Phiwo Kubheka (2028) and Chijindu Okonta (2026) have also committed their futures to the club.

As the Sharks prepare for life after Kolisi, the coming months are expected to be crucial as they reshape their squad ahead of their 2026/27 campaign.