New DNA, new leaders: Hatton ready for Sharks’ big home start against Ospreys

Nick Hatton will captain the Sharks in their opening United Rugby Championship match against the Ospreys at Kings Park on Saturday, marking the beginning of a new era for the team. Hatton, a young No 8, is one of three co-captains alongside Emile van Heerden and Vincent Tshituka, as the Sharks aim to establish a new identity under head coach JP Pietersen.

The team has undergone significant changes since Pietersen took over last year, with a poor start to the season but improvements that suggest the foundation for better times has been laid.

Esterhuizen, the Springbok centre, is currently in Australia with the national team, leaving Hatton to lead the Sharks in their first home URC match since 2024. Last season, the Sharks finished 14th with only one win from their first six matches, but a loss to the Ospreys in a previous match derailed their playoff hopes. With Hatton describing the pre-season as one of the Sharks' most comprehensive in years, the team now seeks to translate that progress into a cohesive identity.

The Sharks have rebranded as the Sharks Rugby Club during the off-season, appointing Vincent Koch and Phepsi Buthelezi as club captains. This rebranding emphasizes a high-performance culture built on discipline, accountability, and respect. Hatton believes that the extensive pre-season, which included players from the Currie Cup, has laid the groundwork for this culture. As one of the leaders, Hatton acknowledges the responsibility to maintain these standards throughout the demanding season.

Hatton emphasizes the importance of a strong leadership group to drive the standards and culture of the club, both on and off the field. He stresses the need to avoid a repeat of last season's slow start and highlights the significance of starting the campaign well at home. "The first few games are really important," Hatton said, "and we've worked hard this pre-season for this weekend and what's to come, and we're excited to play in front of our fans."