{
  "id": 14459071,
  "title": "Sharks rest their Springboks for Challenge Cup opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/sharks-rest-their-springboks-for-challenge-cup-opener",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T13:03:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/sharks-rest-their-springboks-for-challenge-cup-opener/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Sharks have excluded five fully fit Springboks from their initial touring team for the Challenge Cup opener against Lyon in France on Saturday. These players include André Esterhuizen, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Ox Nché, and Thomas du Toit, who are absent due to Springbok-mandated rests. However, some of these individuals may return for the team's subsequent United Rugby Championship matches against Cardiff and Munster in the following two weeks. Other injured Springboks like Eben Etzebeth, Vusi Moyo, Makazole Mapimpi, and Phepsi Buthelezi might also return for the Wales and Ireland fixtures. Bok hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who is awaiting the result of a disciplinary hearing, is also absent from the 28-man squad. The Sharks' head coach, JP Pietersen, will choose his team from the 17 forwards and 11 backline players named for the Challenge Cup group three clash at the 35,000-seater Stade de Gerland. Lyon, the 2022 Challenge Cup champions, currently stands in eighth place on the Top 14 log after six rounds and will remember their defeat by the 2024 champions, the Sharks, in the 2025 last-16. This squad selection demonstrates the Sharks' ambition to return to the higher-tier Champions Cup after their 10th-place finish in the URC last season, which led to their relegation to the Challenge Cup. The Sharks did not win any matches in Europe last year and are eager to rectify that, especially with several of their best and experienced players missing. Jordan Hendrikse, a former Springbok, will make a return after a seven-month injury lay-off and will be crucial with Moyo's absence. Rising stars such as Zekhethelo Siyaya, Esethu Mnebelele, Hanro Jacobs, Manu Tshituka, and Jurenzo Julius will bring flair to the team. Jordan Hendrikse's return will be particularly valuable as Siya Masuku, also left out of the touring group, is another backline player absent from the squad.",
  "summary": "The Sharks have opted to give their Springboks their mandated leave during their Challenge Cup opener against Lyon.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Sharks rest Springboks for overseas tour but boosted by key players back from injury",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/sharks-rest-springboks-for-overseas-tour-but-boosted-by-key-players",
        "published": "2026-10-14T12:40:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}