Pieter-Steph du Toit

Marcell Coetzee

The Sharks have released 2 Media Releases today, with the 1st 1 bearing the news that Pieter-Steph du Toit is leaving the Union. The 2nd Media release focusses on Marcell Coetzee re-signing with the Sharks and also reveals the other candidates who have chosen to continue to ply their trade at the Sharks.

Pieter-Steph du Toit:

Springbok lock Pieter-Steph du Toit, today confirmed his departure from the Cell C Sharks at the end of his contract, which expires in October 2015.

Having made his debut for The Sharks in 2012, du Toit with his strong physicality and presence has become an influential player for the franchise with strong performances that earned him Springbok colours in 2013.

Commenting on his departure, The Sharks CEO John Smit said: “We are terribly disappointed to lose a player of the calibre of Pieter-Steph du Toit. Despite our best efforts to keep him in the province, he has chosen to move on.

“He was scouted and signed by the franchise whilst still in school and ever since his arrival in Durban, he has emerged as a stand-out performer. Sadly, he suffered 2 serious injuries, which saw his 2014 and 2015 seasons being curtailed prematurely.

“Our medical team has invested immense time and effort into Pieter-Steph’s rehabilitation and recovery process and we are saddened to lose him, but I guess we cannot hold the player back if he has made up his mind.”

Pieter–Steph has thanked The Sharks for the unconditional support the province has always given him during times of fitness and especially injury.

“This was the hardest decision of my life. The Sharks have always been good to me and if it was not for what the province has done for me I would never have been able to achieve from rugby what I have to date. For this, I will be forever grateful. My decision is one that has a specific focus now already for my life after rugby and also my family. Thank you to every Sharks employee and fan for the privilege I have had to be part of your family. All of you will always remain dear to me.”

“On behalf of The Sharks, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Pieter-Steph for his contribution to Sharks rugby and wish him the very best in his playing career moving forward,” concluded Smit.

Marcel Coetzee & Others:

Springbok loose-forward Marcell Coetzee has reaffirmed his commitment to the Cell C Sharks by re-signing for a further 2 years.

The deal has been structured as such, that during the ABSA Currie Cup season, Marcell will take a sabbatical and play in the Top League in Japan for 2 seasons.

Marcell Coetzee said, “I am delighted to extend my contract with the Cell C Sharks. My schooling career was completed in KZN and all of my professional rugby played to date has been with this province. Growthpoint Kings Park has been my home and I look forward to contributing to the success of the team for many years to come.”

The Sharks Director of Rugby, Gary Gold added: “Marcell is 1 of our most valuable players with his physicality, defensive supremacy and ability to get over the gain line on attack. He has strong leadership qualities and is always willing to share advice and offer encouragement to his peers. We are thrilled that he has reaffirmed his commitment to the Cell C Sharks.

“He has represented both his province and country with distinction and we look forward to many more energetic performances from a player who continues to grow in stature and shine on the rugby stage.”

Apart from the signing of their new recruits in Willie le Roux, Coenie Oosthuizen, Wandile Mjekevu, Jacques Potgieter, Michael Claassens, Phillip van der Walt, Joe Pietersen and Dave McDuling, the Sharks also announced the re-signing of the following players on long-term contracts.

• André Esterhuizen
• Patrick Lambie
• Cobus Reinach
• S’bura Sithole
• Etienne Oosthuizen
• Stefan Ungerer
• Franco Marais
• Stephan Lewies
• Jean Deysel
• Tendai Mtawarira
• Kyle Cooper
• Tera Mtembu
• Lourens Adriaanse
• Thomas du Toit
• Lwazi Mvovo