Vincent Koch Sets Sights on URC Trophies as Springbok Career Winds Down

• Veteran prop Vincent Koch has not featured for the Springboks since July 2025 and is now fully committed to the Sharks ahead of the new URC season
• Koch completed his first full pre-season with the Sharks since joining after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, describing the squad as fitter and closer than ever
• The 36-year-old set out ambitious goals for the Sharks' URC campaign, saying the team is ready to compete for trophies

Vincent Koch has declared himself fully focused on the Sharks as his Springbok commitments appear to be behind him, with the veteran prop eyeing trophy success in the United Rugby Championship.

Koch, 36, last pulled on a Springbok jersey in July 2025 against Georgia. Now, with his international career winding down, he has shifted all his energy to the Durban-based franchise ahead of their URC opener against the Ospreys at Kings Park.

Koch's first real pre-season with the Sharks

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The tighthead joined the Sharks following the 2023 Rugby World Cup but spent the subsequent three years balancing club and international duties. This pre-season marked the first time he could commit to the Sharks from the outset.

"This is the first time I can have a proper pre-season with the Sharks," Koch said.

"I've been away for the last three years (with the Boks), so it was awesome being involved with the boys, to help the young guys as well and just get proper preparation done."

He credited the extended preparation period with transforming the squad both physically and in terms of team cohesion.

Sharks target trophies in new URC season

Koch made it clear that the Sharks are setting their sights high this season, with their campaign beginning with a run of home fixtures for the first time in the United Rugby Championship.

The favourable start has added to the mood around the squad, with the Sharks determined to challenge for silverware.

“This is the first time in the URC that the Sharks are starting with home games. There is excitement in the camp, and we have said that we want to compete for trophies,” he said.

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On his personal contribution, Koch outlined a dual responsibility: performing at the highest level while guiding the younger members of the squad. With Springbok selection no longer a consideration, Koch's approach to the season is straightforward.

"All my focus is on the Sharks, just to see how I can help them be successful this season."

Springbok legends launch beer brand

Briefly News previously reported about other Springboks legends who started their beer brand, and now, Steven Kitshoff and Malcolm Marx have joined the movement with the launch of Bomb Squad Beer.

The two iconic Springbok front-rowers, known for their powerhouse performances in South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup victories, have swapped scrums for suds with their own craft lager.

Source: Briefly News