Latest news with #EthanHooker
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
South Africa name nine uncapped players in expansive squad
CAPE TOWN, June 5 (Reuters) - Nine uncapped players have been named in an expansive 54-man South Africa squad for the first four of the country's 14 international matches this year. Coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday retained 31 of the squad that won the 2023 World Cup in a sign of continuity but has also made clear he intended using tests against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia to try out new prospects. The uncapped players include Northampton Saints eighthman Juarno Augustus and hooker Marnus van der Merwe from Scarlets in Wales plus locally-based prop forwards Neethling Fouche and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, flanks Renzo du Plessis and Vincent Tshituka and utility forward Cobus Wiese, whose brother Jasper is a regular in the squad. The new backs are Sharks centre Ethan Hooker and Ntokozo Makhaza, who has been selected from university rugby without any franchise experience. The squad assembled on Sunday except for players still involved in the closing stages of the United Rugby Championship or English Premiership. 'We are excited to have the luxury of announcing a squad with so much depth and talent,' Erasmus said in a statement. 'Having an expanded squad will not only afford us the opportunity to have productive training sessions, but it will also bode well for the younger players in the group to learn from the senior players, many of whom are Rugby World Cup champions." South Africa used 50 players last season in an attempt to balance the load and build towards the 2027 World Cup in Australia. 'With a few more talented youngsters in this group, we hope that they will learn valuable lessons and stake a strong claim for places in what will be a challenging, yet exciting season,' the coach added. Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane were not considered due to injury. The Springboks will meet the Barbarians in their first encounter on South African soil in Cape Town on June 28 followed by two tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha on July 5 and 12 respectively and Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19. From August the Springboks play in the Rugby Championship and in November go on a European tour with tests in Italy, France, Ireland and Wales. Squad: Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (both Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (both Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks)
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
South Africa name nine uncapped players in expansive squad
CAPE TOWN :Nine uncapped players have been named in an expansive 54-man South Africa squad for the first four of the country's 14 international matches this year. Coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday retained 31 of the squad that won the 2023 World Cup in a sign of continuity but has also made clear he intended using tests against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia to try out new prospects. The uncapped players include Northampton Saints eighthman Juarno Augustus and hooker Marnus van der Merwe from Scarlets in Wales plus locally-based prop forwards Neethling Fouche and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, flanks Renzo du Plessis and Vincent Tshituka and utility forward Cobus Wiese, whose brother Jasper is a regular in the squad. The new backs are Sharks centre Ethan Hooker and Ntokozo Makhaza, who has been selected from university rugby without any franchise experience. The squad assembled on Sunday except for players still involved in the closing stages of the United Rugby Championship or English Premiership. 'We are excited to have the luxury of announcing a squad with so much depth and talent,' Erasmus said in a statement. 'Having an expanded squad will not only afford us the opportunity to have productive training sessions, but it will also bode well for the younger players in the group to learn from the senior players, many of whom are Rugby World Cup champions." South Africa used 50 players last season in an attempt to balance the load and build towards the 2027 World Cup in Australia. 'With a few more talented youngsters in this group, we hope that they will learn valuable lessons and stake a strong claim for places in what will be a challenging, yet exciting season,' the coach added. Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane were not considered due to injury. The Springboks will meet the Barbarians in their first encounter on South African soil in Cape Town on June 28 followed by two tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha on July 5 and 12 respectively and Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19. From August the Springboks play in the Rugby Championship and in November go on a European tour with tests in Italy, France, Ireland and Wales. Squad: Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (both Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (both Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks)
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
REVEALED: How nine uncapped newbies fit into Springbok picture?
A 54-man squad local and overseas-based players have been named for the Springboks' upcoming mid-year Tests starting later month. The group includes nine uncapped players, namely Ethan Hooker, Juarno Augustus, Vincent Tshituka, Ntokozo Makhaza, Renzo du Plessis, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Marnus van der Merwe, and Cobus Wiese. Ethan Hooker: A centre who is currently playing on the wing because his team needs him to, Hooker's strengths are his dominant ball-carrying, defence and breakdown ability. He brings a different type of versatility to the Springbok backline than the established utility backs in the squad. Neethling Fouche: The powerful Stormers tighthead prop provides much-needed cover for Frans Malherbe, who has been left out of the squad as he recovers from injury. Fouche looks set to earn his first Test cap and brings strength to the front row. Asenathi Ntlabakanye: Weighing in at 145kg, Ntlabakanye's sheer size makes him a standout figure. The Springbok coaching staff may see an opportunity to develop him into a dominant force in the scrum. Marnus van der Merwe: Hooker is another area where depth is needed, and Van der Merwe made a strong case for inclusion following impressive performances with the Scarlets in Wales and this form has now been rewarded with an official squad call-up. Vincent Tshituka: Born in the Congo, Tshituka recently obtained his South African ID, making him eligible for national selection. His inclusion bolsters the Springboks' depth at blindside flank, a position in need of reinforcement. Ntokozo Makhaza: A standout in the Varsity Cup, Makhaza's selection may have come as a surprise, but it's well earned. His pace and flair make him a thrilling addition to the wing options. Cobus Wiese: At 27, Wiese offers versatility with the ability to play both lock and loose forward. With his physicality and adaptability, he's well-positioned to feature in the mid-year Tests where squad rotation and experimentation are expected. Juarno Augustus: A key performer for the Northampton Saints this season, Augustus now brings valuable experience to the table. With injuries affecting the No. 8 position, he could be a strong and timely option for the Springboks during these rebuilding phase. Renzo du Plessis: Du Plessis is one of the brightest young prospects in South African rugby. A dynamic loose forward in the same mould as Kwagga Smith, he is likely to attract serious interest from the Springbok selectors. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Blueskyfor the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
One young star set for breakthrough year with Springboks
As the Springboks' 2025 season draws ever closer, Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that this will be another year in which he expands the depth available to the national team by balancing game-time between seniors and newcomers. There are a number of youngsters knocking on the door, but someone who is undoubtedly kicking that door down is none other than Sharks star Ethan Hooker. The 22-year-old is just at the start of a promising career, but the Junior Springbok has already enjoyed a meteoric rise for the Sharks, establishing himself as a key member of a star-studded starting line-up in Durban. On his route to the senior set up, Hooker won the SA Rugby U20 Cup and also formed part of the SA U20 squad that claimed a bronze medal at the World Rugby U20 Championship. Boasting raw pace and power, the 1.94m and 100kg newcomer has since enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Sharks in the URC, boasting the ability to play on the wing or in the midfield. It's unlikely that the Springbok coaches will consider him at centre just yet, but there is every reason to believe his integration into Test rugby could come via the wing, where he has been in top form this past season. The Springboks are blessed with depth on the left wing, but it's on the right wing where the national coaches will be keen to explore some back up options to Cheslin Kolbe in order to manage his game time effectively. This is where Hooker could certainly come into the picture, with his work rate, physicality, size and speed ticking all the boxes that would surely appeal to Rassie Erasmus and his team. Take this to the bank, a breakthrough year beckons on the horizon for Ethan Hooker. Remember the name! 28 June: vs Barbarians, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:05. 5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Kick off: 17:10. 12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha. Kick off: 17:10. 19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. Kick off: 17:10. 16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Kick off: 17:10. 23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:10. 6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland. Kick off: 09:05. 13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington. Kick off: 09:05. 27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban. Kick off: 17:10. 4 October: vs Argentina, London. Kick off: 15:00. 8 November: vs France, Paris. Kick off: TBD. 15 November: vs Italy, Turin. Kick off: TBD. 22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin. Kick off: 19:40. 29 November: vs Wales, Cardiff. Kick off: 17:10. *SA Rugby are working on adding one more Test for the Springboks, likely to be against Japan . Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October. Ticket sales Tickets are on sale via and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s. (*booking fees apply)
BreakingNews.ie
6 days ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Munster crash out of URC after semi-final shootout defeat to Sharks
Sharks booked their spot in the United Rugby Championship semi-finals after a dramatic shootout decider saw them edge past Munster in Durban. After drawing 24-24 in regulation time, neither side could find a winning score in extra time as the game boiled down to kicks from the 15 and then 10-metre line, where Rory Scannell missed his effort for Munster and the Sharks went on to kick all six of their attempts to reach the final four. Advertisement The visitors had taken the lead nine minutes into the first half when Jack Crowley's cross-field kick bounced up for Calvin Nash to grasp and dive over the line before Crowley added the extras, but the match evolved into a scrappy encounter as both Crowley and Jaden Hendrikse sent penalties wide. The game burst into life after the break and the Sharks capitalised on their bright start when Ethan Hooker cut in from the right wing, weaving around the Munster defence to score, with Hendrikse converting before sending his side ahead with a penalty. Fineen Wycherley then squeezed through a gap to cross following a quick Munster break, with Crowley's kick successful and they extended their advantage when the hosts were unable to defend Mike Haley's kick, allowing Diarmuid Kilgallen to pounce on the loose ball and ground before Crowley converted. The Sharks staged an impressive comeback with two tries in the final 15 minutes, pulling one back when Aphelele Fassi crossed, with Hendrikse converting and Fez Mbatha struck after breaking through the visiting defence on the tryline to ground before Hendrikse added the extras. Advertisement Conor Murray's successful penalty from just inside his own half levelled the score at 24-24 to send the game to extra time and Hendrikse had a drop goal attempt brilliantly blocked by Thomas Ahern before the contest reached its climax with a shootout, where the Sharks claimed victory.
