Wednesday, 05th February 2025: The Hollywoodbets Sharks are using the Vodacom United Rugby Championship break to recover from a significant injury list, with 16 players currently sidelined. Despite these setbacks over the past two months, the team has shown resilience and are currently fourth on the log, well-placed as the competition intensifies.
The Sharks’ medical team is focused on player recovery during the break, prioritising welfare and gradual reintegration. Head Coach, John Plumtree will hope to have key players return over the next few weeks, which would be a welcome boost as we approach the business end of the tournament.
Ahead of their next match against the Vodacom Bulls on 15th February, the Hollywoodbets Sharks have provided an update on the status of injured players.
| Name of Player | Injury and Status |
| Andre Esterhuizen | Underwent surgery on his knee. Recovery in progress and the knee is healing well. |
| Aphelele Fassi | Underwent surgery on his ankle. Recovery in progress and the ankle is healing well. |
| Eben Etzebeth | Suffered a return-of-symptoms of his recent concussion. The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved. |
| Emile van Heerden | Underwent surgery on his knee. Recovery in progress and the knee is healing well. |
| Emmanuel Tshituka | Dislocated big toe. Being managed conservatively and recovery in progress. |
| Fez Mbatha | Lower limb stress fracture. Being treated conservatively and recovery in progress. |
| Gerbrandt Grobler | Underwent surgery on his foot. Recovery in progress and the foot is healing well. |
| James Venter | Tear of chest wall muscle. Being treated conservatively and recovery in progress. |
| Ox Nche | Tear of upper arm muscle. Being treated conservatively and recovery in progress. |
