Sharks omit six Springboks for Lyon Challenge Cup opener

The Sharks have named a 28-player squad for a three-match European tour that will open without six Springboks against Lyon in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, October 17. Head coach JP Pietersen’s group includes players returning from injury as the Durban side prepares for the French club before travelling to Cardiff and Munster for United Rugby Championship matches. The six Springboks omitted from the Lyon opener are Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Hooker, André Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Edwill van der Merwe and Thomas du Toit. The five players other than Etzebeth are resting after recent international and club commitments. The Sharks have said the six are expected to join the touring party in week two, but a report on the club’s position said their availability for the later fixtures is not guaranteed. Etzebeth’s status is particularly uncertain. The Sharks said the lock suffered a lower-limb injury and was awaiting further medical examination after leaving the match against the Stormers. He was not named in the initial touring group. Although the Sharks later included him among the players expected to join in week two, the club had not provided a medical update confirming his fitness.