Sharks Name Vusi Moyo and Nick Hatton to Lead URC Home Opener Against Ospreys
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- The Sharks are preparing for a significant URC opener at Kings Park, with JP Pietersen beginning his first full season in charge
- Vusi Moyo has been handed an important role as the Sharks unveil their starting lineup for Saturday’s clash against the Ospreys
- The Durban side faces an Ospreys team with a recent victory over the Sharks, adding another layer of intrigue to the opening fixture
Source: Facebook
The Sharks will begin their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign against the Ospreys at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday, 26 September, with Vusi Moyo given the No 10 jersey and Nick Hatton named captain.
The team announcement was made on Thursday, 24 September, by the Sharks Rugby Club on X:
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SA Rugby Magazine reports that “Vusi Moyo will spearhead the Sharks attack”, with Hatton leading the side from No 8.
The fixture carries added significance as the Sharks prepare to open a URC campaign at home for the first time. It also marks the beginning of JP Pietersen’s first full season as head coach.
JP Pietersen begins new Sharks chapter
Moyo will combine with Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse at halfback, while Luan Giliomee starts at fullback.
Suleiman Hartzenberg and Litelihle Bester occupy the wings, with Jurenzo Julius and Murray Koster forming the midfield partnership.
The forward pack features Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart and Phatu Ganyane in the front row. Hatton is joined in the loose trio by Manu Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi.
The Sharks’ bench includes Esethu Mnebelele, Nemo Roelofse, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl, Siya Masuku and Zekhethelo Siyaya.
The Sharks previously announced a 67-man squad for the season, combining emerging talent with experienced players including several Springboks.
Ospreys bring recent Sharks setback to Durban
The Ospreys arrive with a recent victory over the Sharks behind them. They won 21-17 in Bridgend in April 2026.
However, the Welsh side have lost their previous five matches in South Africa. The Sharks also won the last meeting in Durban, securing a 29-10 victory in May 2025.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 16:00 South African time at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
The result will give Pietersen his first competitive marker as he begins his first full URC campaign with the Sharks.
Sharks rebrand controversy adds intrigue to URC opener
Briefly News previously reported that the Sharks’ dramatic rebrand sparked a strong reaction from supporters, with much of the debate centred on the disappearance of the club’s familiar Sharkie emblem. The new identity, unveiled in August 2026, was presented by the club as part of its plans for the future.
The rebrand divided supporters, with some questioning the timing and design while others urged fans to embrace the changes. The debate has now added another layer of interest around the Sharks as they prepare to begin their URC campaign at Kings Park.
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Source: Briefly News
