Simphiwe Ngobese

Few young loose forwards in the Sharks system carry the same combative reputation as Simphiwe Ngobese. Born on 1 August 2005, the flanker has come through the Durban franchise's development structures, where his aggression at the breakdown and appetite for defensive work have caught the eye. Ngobese plays the game on the front foot, throwing himself into contact and competing hard for turnover ball, the kind of contributions that rarely show up in highlight reels but underpin a forward pack's success. His rise through the Sharks' age-grade and development ranks reflects both his physical readiness and the franchise's willingness to invest in homegrown back-row talent. At this stage, consistency of selection and the steady refinement of his work at the ruck are the priorities, and the demanding South African environment offers a strong platform for that growth. A tireless competitor who provides grit and energy in the tight exchanges, Ngobese is a back-rower whose trajectory is worth following as he pushes for a more established role.