Sale Sharks have confirmed the departure of prop Coenie Oosthuizen, as the Springboks star returns home to South Africa. Oosthuizen will remain as part of the Sharks, as he has agreed a move to the Cell C Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.
The 34-year-old joined Sale from the Cell C Sharks back in May 2019, with the front-rower making his return to Durban after 94 Sale appearances. Oosthuizen was an integral part in Sale’s 2022/23 Premiership campaign, as the Sharks reached their first final since the 2005/06 season.
Sale’s 17-year wait for a league title continues, as Saracens fought back valiantly to complete a 35-25 comeback. Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said:
“Since he arrived in Manchester, Coenie has been a massive part of this team and this club and everyone is going to miss him.
“On the field he’s a fantastic player but off it, he’s been a real leader for us in what is a young squad.”
Oosthuizen made his Springboks debut in 2012, and has gone on to make 30 appearances for his country. He has not always been playing for a ‘Sharks’ team, as the versatile prop began his career with the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup, before progressing into the Cheetahs senior Super Rugby side.