Jordan Hendrikse Returns From Injury to Lead Sharks Against Lyon in Challenge Cup
- Springbok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse was named to start for the Sharks against Lyon in the Challenge Cup after missing time through injury
- Junior Bok wing Jaco Williams is also back from injury and set to feature, having scored on his Springbok debut against Wales in July
- Stormers loanee Suleiman Hartzenberg starts at outside centre as Sharks coach JP Pietersen looks to fill a key position
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Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA — Springbok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse has been named to start for the Sharks in their Challenge Cup clash against Lyon on Saturday, marking his return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.
The 25-year-old was last seen in Test action during the 2024 season, when he started two matches against Wales. He has since fallen out of Rassie Erasmus's plans for the national side, making his return to form at club level all the more important.
Sharks Hand Hendrikse the No. 10 Jersey
Hendrikse's comeback has arrived at a timely moment for the Sharks, with first-choice flyhalf Vusi Moyo sustaining a shoulder injury early in the recent Stormers fixture. Gianni Lombard performed well as replacement that day and will provide cover for Hendrikse from the bench in Lyon.
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Junior Bok wing Jaco Williams, 20, also features in the squad after battling his own injury setbacks. Williams made an electric start to the season in the United Rugby Championship and was rewarded with a Springbok debut against Wales in a Nations Cup fixture at Kings Park in July, scoring a try on his first appearance.
Hartzenberg Drafted in on Loan From Stormers
Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has backed Suleiman Hartzenberg to make an impact after naming the Stormers loanee at outside centre. The 23-year-old, who measures 1.87m and weighs close to 100kg, has mainly played on the wing in Cape Town but will wear the No. 13 jersey for the Durban side.
Pietersen believes Hartzenberg has settled into the Sharks environment with little difficulty and sees the presence of former All Black centre Ma'a Nonu as an opportunity for the youngster to sharpen his skills.
"Suleiman is great to have. I always rated him when he started as a youngster, and having him on loan at the Sharks is just great. He slotted in seamlessly like he's one of us," Pietersen said, according to IOL.
"He's a very positive kid who is always open to learning and becoming better, and how good is it for him to come at this time with Ma'a Nonu in our system to elevate his game and skill set?
"He's a great addition to our team, and hopefully he can shoot the lights out and answer our questions in terms of what we want from him."
Elsewhere in the team, Ethan Bester returns from injury to start at No. 2. The 21-year-old Hilton College product featured seven times for the SA Under-20 team in 2024.
Nick Hatton, another Hilton alumnus, will lead the Sharks as captain.
Source: Instagram
Jordan Hendrikse celebrates relationship milestone
Briefly News also reported that Jordan Hendrikse celebrated a major relationship milestone with his partner, Julia Daisy, following a romantic outing in Franschhoek.
The Sharks flyhalf shared pictures of the couple at La Roche Estate on Instagram on Sunday, 9 August 2026. Hendrikse previously described Daisy as his “soulmate” and “the woman of my dreams”.
The personal milestone offered fans a glimpse into the Springbok's life away from rugby as he navigates his return from injury.
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Source: Briefly News
