Ethan Hooker: Springboks Star Agrees New Contract to Stay in South Africa

• Springboks utility back Ethan Hooker has signed a new contract with a South African rugby club after a top-class performance this year
• The South African rugby star signed a two-year extension with his Durban-based rugby club, and would remain at the club till 2029
• The news about Hooker's contract extension sparked a load of reactions from South African rugby fans on social media

Springboks star Ethan Hooker has signed a new contract with the Sharks and will remain with the Durban-based club for the next three years.

The utility South African rugby star is one of the players in Rassie Erasmus Springboks alignment camp, and he's expected to go to the World Cup, provided he is not injured.

Hooker signs new deal with Sharks

Although Hooker, who was crowned SA Rugby Young Player of the Year in March, was already tied down until 2027 following a new agreement after his breakout 2024 campaign, his impressive development over the last year and a half has prompted the Sharks to extend his stay through to 2029.

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Despite being at the beginning of his professional journey, Hooker has rapidly emerged as one of South Africa’s brightest rugby prospects and an integral part of the Sharks side being shaped by coach JP Pietersen.

The dynamic back earned his first Springbok cap against Italy on 12 July 2025 before making a strong impact during the Rugby Championship.

Hooker drew widespread acclaim after his first Test start on the right wing, helping the Boks secure a dominant 43-10 win over the All Blacks in Wellington.

Sharks fans celebrate Hooker's contract extension on social media.

Benjamin Michaels shared:

"Home is where the ❤️ is. The 🦈 Tank!!!"

Pholoso More Novelist said:

"Durban boy born and raised!! Nice stuff."

Ria Vd Merwe wrote:

"Now I can let go of my thumbs! Whoop-whoop, great news!!!"

Joan B Bowers commented:

"Stay hooked, Ethan. Sharks are lucky to have you! 🚩🦈."

Ismaeel Ahmed Kadwa added:

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"Absolute gem of a player, hope he plays many more games for club and country."

Hooker's journey with Sharks, Springboks

Capable of playing both in midfield and out wide, Hooker has become known for his aggressive defence, tireless effort and ability to produce game-changing moments. One of the highlights of his early international career arrived against Italy in November when he collected a perfectly weighted cross-kick from Manie Libbok to score his maiden Test try.

His impressive run was temporarily interrupted in April after he suffered a dislocated shoulder while scoring in the Sharks’ Vodacom URC encounter with the Ospreys.

The 23-year-old later underwent successful surgery in Durban and is expected to miss the Springboks’ opening Nations Championship fixtures against England, Scotland and Wales.

However, both the Sharks and the Springboks have been encouraged by reports that Hooker should recover in time for the highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clashes against the All Blacks later in August and September.

Erasmus expresses confidence in squad depth

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Briefly News also reported that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus is confident in the team’s fly-half stocks, a position that once caused headaches ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The coach reportedly said he was satisfied with the current depth, noting that the players offer flexibility depending on the game plan the team wants to implement.

Source: Briefly News