The Sharks have announced the signing of World Cup-winning fly-half Manie Libbok on a multi-year deal.

The 29-year-old playmaker will return to South Africa ahead of the 2027/28 season following a two-year stint in Japan with the Kintetsu Liners and will rejoin the Sharks, who he represented in 2020 and 2021.

Manie Libbok signs for Sharks

Libbok signed for the Liners after a successful spell with the Stormers, where he won the United Rugby Championship in 2023 but says that there was no other club he wanted to join upon his return to South Africa.

“For this next chapter of my career, there is no club I would rather be joining than the Sharks,” he said in a club statement.

“This is an iconic club with a proud history, there’s real excitement about the future, and I want to be part of what’s being built here. When I chatted with JP and heard his vision for the team, I knew straight away that there’s something special developing here, and I want to be part of it. You can feel the new energy and the culture building, and this is a club that isn’t afraid to do things differently. I’m all in.

“I’ve had a taste of Durban before, so coming back at this stage of my career with experience behind me, as the club starts a new era, means a lot to me. I can’t wait to pull on the black and white jersey, work with coaches and my teammates, and give everything I’ve got for the badge and our supporters.”

JP Pietersen: Manie is a game-changing signing

Commenting on the signing of the 30 Test international, Sharks head coach JP Pietersen said: “Manie is a game-changer and a playmaker. That’s exactly the kind of player we want driving our game.

“Fast, physical and relentless isn’t just a line for us. It needs players who can bring this to life every week and Manie does that. What stood out most when we spoke was his hunger. He doesn’t just want to join the Hollywoodbets Sharks, he wants to help build something here with the rest of the squad.

“We’re building a team with a strong identity, where every player puts the badge first and plays for the man next to him. Manie buys into that completely. That attitude will rub off on the young players in the group, and we are really excited to work with him.”

Libbok will bring his fly-half expertise to the Sharks next year and signs with the Durban club who were reportedly in the market for an experienced playmaker ahead of the current season.

The signing shows where the Sharks are going

Currently, the Sharks have fly-halves Jordan Hendrikse, Vusi Moyo, Gianni Lombard, and Siya Masuku on their books, but Libbok will bring a ton of experience to the squad and help mentor the younger players in the position.

“Securing a player of Manie’s quality on a multi-year deal shows where this club is going,” Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans said.

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“We’ve been clear that the new era of Sharks rugby is about building a team that competes for trophies and makes our supporters proud. In addition to developing high-quality players through our system, that means selectively attracting the best talent globally.

“Manie chose the Hollywoodbets Sharks because he believes in the vision, the coaching team and the direction of this club. That speaks to the work being done across the whole club and we are thrilled to welcome him back to Durban.”