Sharks coach John Plumtree gives positive update on injured Springbok trio

The rigours of the never-ending season weigh heavy on the modern-day international rugby player. The Sharks have been without a plethora of their Bok superstars for large parts of the season.

But things are looking up for the Durban franchise, who welcome back Bok battering ram Andre Esterhuizen to the matchday 23 for this weekend's United Rugby Championship action against Zebre. The centre has been out of action since December due to a knee injury.

Speaking to the press after Thursday's team release, Plumtree gave updates on his other superstars, including Etzebeth. The Bok behemoth has been on the sidelines for months after a serious concussion, but was rumoured to be returning this week. Thankfully, concussion isn't what is holding him back.

"Eben strained a hamstring in a running block that he did in Cape Town, so that set him back a couple of weeks," said Plumtree.

"But from a concussion point of view, he is in a good place now. So good news for him, but frustrating for him with the hamstring but that's life. We just have to wait for him and it won't be long."

Meanwhile, Fassi injured his ankle against the Stormers in December and has been working hard to get back on the field.

"Fassi is about three weeks away and he is going really well," continued Plumtree.

"He will start integrating with the team training soon," the coach explained.

Finally, Plumtree said that Springbok scrumhalf Williams is new to the injury list, but he only needs a brief break.

"Grant has got an issue with his neck," revealed the coach.

"It should only be two or three weeks. He sort of played with it through the Lions series and before that. It is nothing significant but it needs some time."