Fred Zeilinga answers Sharks' flyhalf SOS call

Sharks coach Sean Everitt has named a 28-man squad for their three-game European URC trip.

The Sharks open their season against Italian outfit Zebre on Friday, before heading off to Wales and Ireland for matches against the Dragons and Leinster respectively.

The Durbanites embarked on their tour with a long injury list, with all of Curwin Bosch, Eduan Keyter, Henco Venter, Jeandre Labuschagne, Khutha Mchunu, Le Roux Roets, Lionel Cronje, Mpilo Gumede, Murray Koster,  Tinotenda Mavesere and Vincent Tshituka sidelined.

Bosch and Cronje's absence left the Sharks short at flyhalf as Boeta Chamberlain was the remaining fit pivot, before Everitt opted to include Fred Zeilinga in his touring party.

Zeilinga, 29, was on the Sharks' books between 2011 and 2015, before joining the Cheetahs where he played until 2018. He played for the Canon Eagles in Japan between 2018 and 2020 before turning out for the Lions in 2021/22.

The Sharks confirmed that Bosch suffered a hand fracture and will be out for six to eight weeks, while Cronje is out for a similar period with a forearm fracture.

Sharks' 28-man touring squad:

Fowards: Daniel Jooste, Fezokuhle Mbatha, Kerron van Vuuren, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Dian Bleuler, Thomas du Toit (captain), Hanro Jacobs, Carlu Sadie, Daniel Hugo, Justin Basson, Hyron Andrews, Gerbrandt Grobler, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Phendulani Buthelezi, Dylan Richardson, James Venter

Backs: Grant Williams, Cameron Wright, Zee Mkhabela, Boeta Chamberlain, Ben Tapuai, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Marnus Potgieter, Werner Kok, Thaakir Abrahams, Anthony Volmink, Aphelele Fassi, Fred Zeilinga

Meanwhile, Everitt also named his full 50-man squad for the URC season, with prop Thomas du Toit remaining as team captain.

?? Our Cell C Sharks VURC squad