Hooker Injury Blow for Sharks and Springboks

The Sharks have suffered a significant setback ahead of their upcoming Currie Cup clash with the Golden Lions, as star hooker Fez Mbatha has been ruled out with a knee injury sustained during training.

Mbatha, who has been a pivotal figure in the Sharks’ forward pack this season, will miss the crucial match scheduled for Saturday, 25 April 2026, at Kings Park Stadium in Durban. The injury was confirmed by the Sharks’ medical staff following scans conducted on Thursday, 24 April.

Head coach Sean Everitt expressed disappointment but confirmed the squad would adapt. “Fez is a big loss for us — his work rate, lineout precision, and physical presence at the breakdown are hard to replace,” Everitt said in a press briefing on Friday morning. “We’ve got depth in the hooking position, and the lads who step up will need to be ready for a tough test against a Lions side that’s been dominant in the set-piece this season.”

The Sharks’ hooking stocks now rely on the experience of veteran Akker van der Merwe and the emerging talent of Ross Geldenhuys, both of whom are available for selection. Van der Merwe, 34, has started 12 of the Sharks’ 15 matches this season and brings extensive Currie Cup and international experience, while Geldenhuys, 23, has made three appearances off the bench and is pushing for his first start.

Mbatha’s absence comes at a critical juncture in the Sharks’ campaign. Currently sitting fourth on the log with 38 points from 15 matches, Durban’s side needs a win to maintain pressure on the top three and secure a home quarter-final berth. The Golden Lions, meanwhile, sit second with 45 points and have won their last four matches, including a commanding 34–17 victory over the Bulls in Johannesburg last weekend.

Injury news has been a recurring theme for the Sharks this season. Earlier in April, lock Evan Ross was sidelined for six weeks with a shoulder injury, and fly-half Tristan Tedder missed two weeks with a concussion protocol following a blow to the head during the match against the Pumas. Mbatha’s latest issue adds to the growing list of absentees, though the Sharks have managed to remain competitive despite the challenges.

The Currie Cup, South Africa’s premier domestic rugby competition, has seen increased intensity this year as teams battle for playoff positioning and Springbok selection considerations loom. With the international window approaching in June, performances in the remaining Currie Cup matches are being closely monitored by national team selectors.

For Mbatha, the injury is a personal disappointment after a strong run of form. The 26-year-old hooker has started 10 matches this season, averaging over 15 carries per game and maintaining a 92% success rate at the lineout — the highest among all hookers in the competition. His absence will be felt not only in set-piece stability but also in the Sharks’ defensive organisation around the ruck.

As the Sharks prepare to adjust their game plan without their first-choice hooker, attention will turn to how the forward unit responds under pressure. The match against the Golden Lions kicks off at 15:00 SAST on Saturday, 25 April 2026, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.