Overview

• The Stormers have signed loosehead Oli Kebble and tighthead Hencus van Wyk to reinforce a pack hit by long-term injuries to Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe.
• The Cape side opens the URC at DHL Stadium against defending champions Leinster, with Kebble returning in a trade that sent Sti Sithole to the Bulls.
• Sharks coach John Plumtree named a 65-man group and said about nine URC players are unavailable in addition to Springboks, citing injuries to Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden and Siya Masuku, with Jordan Hendrikse on the long-term list.
• The Sharks start with a three-match tour to Glasgow, Dragons and Leinster, and will supplement depth with Junior Boks and Currie Cup standouts plus loans including Cameron Dawson and Cebo Dlamini, along with Pumas recruits Ross Braude and Eduan Swart.
• All four South African franchises face a tricky early block with several away fixtures and limited access to internationals, increasing the emphasis on youth promotions and squad rotation.