Sharks confirm departure of Akker and Rob du Preez Jnr

Both players will join the Sale Sharks, based in England.

Van der Merwe and Du Preez are both Springbok capped Test players.

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Sharks CEO, Gary Teichmann said they are “sad to see these two players, who have been integral members of the team depart. They will be missed; however we respect their decisions and wish them well.”

“With this being a rugby World Cup year, we anticipated the departure of a few players and our long-term succession planning, which includes focusing on depth in key positions, have made provisions for this.  There are a talented group of young players that are coming through the system and some of them have already made the step up and this is none more so evident then with four youngsters having already made their Vodacom Super Rugby debuts in 2019.”

The Sharks said the news was announced early so that the players could focus on the season ahead and the team’s Super Rugby campaign.

Teichmann said they were hopeful the players will leave the Durban-based outfit with some silverware in the cupboard.

The Sharks currently top the Super Rugby table after two rounds, with two bonus point wins already in the bag.