Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has named Ernst van Rhyn as the new club captain for the 2025/26 season.
The 28-year-old South African forward joined the club from the DHL Stormers two years ago and recently signed a new three-year contract extension keeping him at the club until 2029.
Fans’ favourite ‘Ernie’ has made 47 appearances for the club, including 24 during the 2024/25 season in which he started all 18 Gallagher Premiership fixtures.
Since arriving in England, he has earnt a reputation as one of the Gallagher Premiership’s top tacklers, topping the league’s dominant tackle count last season.
Ernst takes over the job from Sale and England flanker Ben Curry, who has led the team for the past two seasons.
Ernst said: “It’s a huge privilege and a massive honour to be chosen to be captain of this club.
“Over the past two years I’ve really enjoyed learning from some of the amazing leaders we’ve got at the club – guys like Ben Curry, George Ford, Rob du Preez and others are fantastic leaders and I’ve tried to take bits from each of them.
“But it’s also important for me to keep doing what I’m doing because that’s what has got me to this point. I know this role brings more responsibility, but I feel like I’m ready for that.
“I pride myself on my ability to lead by example and I know I need to keep on improving my own personal game and working hard as a player.
“I want to be a calming presence for the team, and I want to give the players around me confidence. I can’t wait to get going on Thursday.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Ernie made an impression on us straight away with his ability on the field and his leadership off it.
“He leads by example, he’s respected by everyone at the club and I have no doubt that he’ll be a fantastic captain for us.
“I’d like to thank Ben Curry for everything he’s done for the team and the club over the past two years. He’s been a brilliant leader for us and I have no doubt he’ll continue to be an absolutely vital part of this team.”
