Sale Sharks have announced that experienced Springbok front-row Coenie Oosthuizen will be leaving them to return to South Africa to rejoin the Sharks.
The 34-year-old, who is comfortable on either side of the scrum, has been on the Premiership outfit’s books since May 2019 when he joined them from the Durban-based Sharks, who were competing in Super Rugby at the time.
Made close to 100 appearances for Sale Sharks
He made 94 appearances during his stint at Sale and played in 16 matches during the 2022/23 season as Alex Sanderson’s side reached their first Premiership final since 2006.
Sale Sharks’ director of rugby, Sanderson, praised Oosthuizen‘s contribution at the club and wished him well for the future.
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“Since he arrived in Manchester, Coenie has been a massive part of this team and this club and everyone is going to miss him,” he said.
“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 international debut for South Africa in 2012 and has gone on to represent his country in 30 Tests.
He started his professional career at the Free State Cheetahs in 2008 before heading to the Sharks in Durban in 2016 and played for them until his move to Sale Sharks.
Made his last appearance in the Premiership final
Oosthuizen was part of the Sale matchday squad which suffered a 35-25 defeat to Saracens in the Premiership final at Twickenham last weekend and made an appearance off the replacements bench in the 45th minute.
His return to South Africa will be welcomed by Sharks supporters as the United Rugby Championship side’s forward stocks were weakened when another Springbok front-row, Thomas du Toit, left them to further his career at Bath in the Premiership.