Rugby
Griquas great Whitehead on debut for Sharks in URC─── MORGAN PIEK 13:57 Fri, 28 Nov 2025
The seasoned Suzuki Griquas flyhalf, George Whitehead, is set to make his Sharks debut on Saturday when they face the Irish outfit Connacht in Galway, as the United Rugby Championship resumes.
The 36-year-old Whitehead has joined the Sharks on loan from the Currie Cup champions, and he’s been handed the No. 10 jersey for the Durban-based franchise. For the Griquas’ Currie Cup final hero, it will be his first-ever URC appearance, although he previously featured for the Stormers in a handful of Super Rugby games.
The Bloemfontein-born-and-bred pivot isn’t the only Griquas player set for a URC debut this weekend.
Winger Dylan Maart has been named in the Stormers’ starting XV for their clash with Munster in Limerick, while loosehead prop Eddie Davids will run out off the bench for the Lions in the Jukskei derby against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
Earlier in the week, Whitehead told OFM Sport that, even at this stage of his career, his hunger to compete at a higher level hasn’t faded.
George Whitehead. Photo: Morgan Piek
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me, as the Sharks are a world-class organisation,” said Whitehead.
“I’m very grateful for the chance to be here. I’m here to add value, to work hard, and to contribute wherever the team needs me.”
Despite racking up more than 100 caps for Griquas, Whitehead has never truly been afforded a sustained opportunity to prove himself at one of the country’s big four unions.
Eddie Davids. Photo: Morgan Piek
Earlier this year, on his late father’s birthday, Whitehead kicked a clutch, last-minute penalty to edge the Lions 27-25 in the Currie Cup final at Ellis Park, securing Griquas their first title in 55 years. It was a moment written in the stars.
Saturday night’s encounter between Connacht and the Sharks at The Sportsground is scheduled to kick off at 21:45.
Connacht - TBA
Sharks - 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 6 Matt Romao, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane
Replacements - 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Le Roux Malan, 23 Hakeem Kunene
