Siya Masuku making waves: Sharks No 10 seizing moment on rugby's big stage

Since joining from the Cheetahs ahead of the 2023/24 season, the 28-year-old has become a vital part of the team's engine room.

His rise hasn't been a quick sprint, however - it's the result of years of hard work, resilience, and a knack for delivering in the moments that matter most.

Originally from Paulpietersburg in KwaZulu-Natal and a product of Piet Retief High School, Masuku earned his stripes with the Southern Kings and later the Cheetahs.

It was in Bloemfontein where he began to stand out - drilling a monster penalty to beat Pau in the Heineken Challenge Cup and starring in a clutch Currie Cup win over the Bulls, where he scored a try and slotted four penalties in a tense 31-27 result.

Since making his starting debut for the Sharks in March 2024, Masuku has brought calm and composure to the No 10 jersey. He's scored 49 points in eight United Rugby Championship games and added an impressive 71 points in just four EPCR Challenge Cup appearances - including 15 penalties and 13 conversions.

Those performances haven't gone unnoticed. Following a Man of the Match display in the Challenge Cup semi-final against Clermont, Sharks head coach John Plumtree was full of praise.

"He has played well on the big stage, I'm really happy for him," said Plumtree. "Very humble character, he feels very honoured to be playing for the jersey, and he's making the most of his opportunity.

"He's still going to get better, his skill sets will improve; his passing game needs to improve, needs to improve as an athlete. He hasn't reached his ceiling yet."

With his current trajectory, Siya Masuku looks poised to become a mainstay in South African rugby and it might not be long before the Springbok coaches come knocking.