Sharks secure Springbok rising star Ethan Hooker until 2029

Hooker, 23, had already been contracted through to 2027 after a breakout 2024 season, but his rapid rise over the past 18 months has prompted the Sharks to move early and further tie down the versatile back as a cornerstone of their long-term plans under coach JP Pietersen.

Still in the early stages of his professional career, Hooker has quickly grown into a key figure at Kings Park, with his ability to cover both midfield and wing making him an increasingly valuable asset at both franchise and international level.

His breakthrough on the Test stage came in July 2025 when he made his Springbok debut against Italy, before truly announcing himself during the Rugby Championship. One of his standout performances arrived in Wellington, where he started on the wing in South Africa's emphatic 43-10 victory over the All Blacks, earning widespread praise for his composure, physicality and attacking maturity.

Hooker has also impressed with his defensive intensity and relentless work rate, while his attacking instincts were highlighted again earlier in his Test career when he finished off a pinpoint cross-kick from Manie Libbok against Italy to score his first international try.

However, his momentum was interrupted in April when he dislocated his shoulder after scoring a try for the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship clash against the Ospreys. The injury required surgery in Durban and ruled him out of immediate action, with the utility back expected to miss the Springboks' opening Nations Championship Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.

The good news for both club and country is that Hooker is expected to return in time for the highly anticipated Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks in August and September.

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