Phepsi Buthelezi

A natural leader as much as an athlete, Phepsi Buthelezi has long been earmarked as one of South African rugby's coming forwards. Born on 30 May 1999, the openside flanker offers an unusual blend of speed and link play allied to a relentless work rate at the breakdown, making him as comfortable supporting an attack as he is competing over the ball. His standing within the game was underlined when he was handed the Sharks captaincy at a young age, leading the franchise through several seasons of transition and showing maturity well beyond his years. On the field, Buthelezi's mobility allows him to cover ground in defence and attack alike, while his breakdown presence gives the Sharks a genuine turnover threat. A standout moment came with his long-awaited debut for the Springboks against Argentina in 2023, a reward for years of consistent provincial form. For the Sharks he remains a key figure, a dynamic, intelligent loose forward whose influence is felt in both the contact area and the dressing room.