Alex Sanderson has paid tribute to his departing Sharks and said they’ve all played a part in building the club’s future, after the list of the players leaving at the end of the 24/25 season was revealed.
The Sharks Director of Rugby makes a point of saying goodbye to every departing player individually in team meetings.
And he said it’s crucial to recognise the contribution of every player, regardless of how many games they’ve played.
He said: “Every one of the players who is leaving is leaving friends behind. It’s a wrench to know we won’t see as much of our mates as we have done.
“There are a couple of lads who have been for a long time – Ross Harrison and Josh Beaumont – and they’ve seen the changes in the club and yet couldn’t be more supportive and enthused about where the club is now, and where it’s heading.
“It would be easy for those guys to say it was better back then, but they’re still focused on making a contribution because they care and they understand how we’ve got to this point.
“Regardless of how many games these lads have played for us – whether it’s 300 or three – they are all very much a part of what we’re doing this year, and they’ll forever be a part of what they’re leaving behind.”
Homegrown stars Josh Beaumont, Tommy Taylor (both retiring), Will Addison, Ross Harrison and Connor Doherty are among the 16 players leaving at the end of the current season.
First team regulars Jonny Hill and Jean-Luc du Preez will also depart, while Waisea Nayacelevu and Nick Schonert have already left.
Senior Academy graduates Alex Groves, Ellis Causey, Will Riley, Charlie Wardle, Harry Thompson, Aaron Pope and Yande Nkonge will also leave.
Alex added: “Players leave every year and you could become desensitised to it and see it as part of the game. People on the outside might just say ‘that’s sport’, but the day when it doesn’t affect me is the day I’ll stop coaching.
“We say individual thank yous to all the lads who are leaving and I think that’s really important because we want to recognise what every one of these lads has given and how they’ve helped shape us.
“That’s the special thing about this club. We value and appreciate every single person who comes in and contributes.
“I want to thank every one of the lads who are leaving because the future for this club is so bright and they are all a part of that.”
