Springboks centre Andre Esterhuizen on the charge. Photo: SA Rugby website.
What is the truth behind Esterhuizen, Nyakane links to Sharks?
Andre Esterhuizen and Trevor Nyakane are in negotiations to join the Sharks next season, but but here are the facts behind the transfer news.
Springboks centre Andre Esterhuizen on the charge. Photo: SA Rugby website.
As the Sharks assess their squad options after a disappointing season to date, there was a notable report from RugbyPass that suggests agreements are in place for World Cup-winning Springboks Andre Esterhuizen and Trevor Nyakane to join the Sharks.
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There have previously been reports that the Sharks would need to fork out a sizeable transfer fee to secure the transfer of Esterhuizen, who is under contract with Harlequins until June 2025, but it seems progress has been made in this regard.
Yet, it’s not a done deal, and this fact was provided by Sharks chief executive Eduard Coetzee when speaking to Netwerk24.
“André’s contract is still valid until the middle of next year and there is a significant transfer fee to buy him out, which we will never be able to afford,” Coetzee said. “We are still trying to negotiate with Harlequins.
“At this stage, André’s move is still in the pipeline and I really hope he can return. André and our other experienced centres can also help train promising youngsters like Ethan Hooker, Litelihle Bester and Jurenzio Julius.
“André and Trevor are players that the coaching team believes can add value. With our contracting, we want to make sure that we have the right experience in the right positions.”
Big boost if Sharks can bag Esterhuizen, Nyakane
Esterhuizen would add depth at inside centre following the recent exit of Rohan Janse van Rensburg, while another possible target Jan Serfontein recently decided to extend his contract with French club Montpellier.
Meanwhile, it appears that the Sharks may have also done enough to convinced Nyakane to turn down a return to the Bulls, and head to Durban where he could join other World Cup winning props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch.
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