Sharks secure Siya Masuku with long-term deal, Kolisi expected to follow

By SABC Sport
17th August 2024

The Sharks have announced that Springbok hopeful Siya Masuku has signed a long-term deal with the franchise, while his namesake Siya Kolisi will soon follow.

The flyhalf was a revelation for the Durban-based side in the latter part of the 2023/24 campaign, playing a pivotal role in the Sharks' Challenge Cup success.

After initially struggling to break into the Sharks team following his move from the Cheetahs, Masuku went on to surpass Curwin Bosch - who has since signed for French club Brive - as the team's starting fly-half, racking up 12 appearances, 10 in the starting line-up, in his debut season in Durban.

His accuracy off the tee and playmaking ability caught the eye of Rassie Erasmus and his Springboks coaching staff, who invited him to join the alignment camps and included him in the initial mid-year international squad.

He did not manage to make his Test debut in South Africa's opening Test match of the year against Wales, with his new clubmate Jordan Hendrikse preferred, but he may well get an opportunity further down the line.

Following his successful start to life in Durban, Masuku has signed an extension with the Challenge Cup champions until at least June 2028. It's a huge boost for the side that will be hellbent on improving on their 14th-place finish in the United Rugby Championship.

News of his re-signing comes off the back of the Sharks announcing that highly-rated rising star Jurenzo Julius (until 2027) and Litelihle Bester (until 2026) have also inked deals.

While the Sharks are in action in the Currie Cup, they are also finalising their squad for the upcoming URC season, which looks set to include Springboks captain Kolisi.

The flanker is primed to return to Durban after just one season at French club Racing 92. Springboks head coach Erasmus confirmed that Kolisi and the Sharks are locked in talks with the Top 14 club over releasing him from his contract in France.

Kolisi would be the Sharks' seventh new signing ahead of the 2024/25 season and the sixth Springbok that they have added to their ranks following the additions of Trevor Nyakane, Jason Jenkins, Ruan Dreyer, Jordan Hendrikse, Andre Esterhuizen and Emmanuel Tshituka.