sportskeeda
The Sharks, located in Durban, have revealed that their standout prop Ox Nche has inked a contract extension lasting until 2028.
The 29-year-old loosehead prop is currently in his second stint with the Sharks, having initially joined the squad in 2019 from the Free State Cheetahs. After rejoining the franchise in 2020, he has since participated in 131 matches.
Nche was instrumental in the Sharks’ historic achievement as the first South African team to clinch the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) Challenge Cup last season, overcoming Gloucester in the final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He recorded five tries across all competitions during that same season.
Additionally, he was a member of the Springboks’ roster that emerged victorious in the Rugby World Cup in 2023, despite starting only one match against Romania. Earlier this year, he played a pivotal role in the Springboks’ Rugby Championship success and was selected for the World Rugby Team of the Year.
By extending his contract with the Sharks, Nche follows in the footsteps of Siya Masuku, who recently secured a new deal with the Durban-based club.
Nche, along with several other Springboks stars, was given a breather during Saturday’s match against Handre Pollard’s Leicester Tigers in the Investec Champions Cup. They are expected to return to the starting lineup, joining Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, when the Sharks take on the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship at Kings Park Stadium this Saturday.
