Sharks discards up for grabs

The Durban side announced their 39-man Super Rugby training squad last week, and there was no place for Jaco van Tonder, JC Astle, Lionel Cronje, Marco Wentzel, Waylon Murray and Wiehan Hay.

The media release from the Sharks claimed that those players had been released from their contracts, but they have since clarified that they will remain employed by the franchise until they are signed with new teams.

"In selecting a provisional pre-season training squad, difficult decisions needed to be made in order for us to move forward. Our coaching team had the uncomfortable task of re-looking at our current squad and sadly identified that the players mentioned, would find it difficult to get regular game time in 2016 and keeping them would be unfair on their careers currently. 

"This exercise was completed at this stage, to allow those players the opportunity to find alternate employment either locally or internationally.

"It is important to note that the players listed were not released from their contracts and are still under the employ of the Sharks. As such, they will be remunerated accordingly until alternate employment is secured. 

"Saying goodbye to members of the Sharks family is never easy and these gentlemen have contributed to the environment whilst here which makes this process a tough one emotionally as friendships have been forged over the years. They will be missed and are always welcomed guests at the Tank.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the players mentioned for their service and contribution to the union and offer them our best wishes as they move forward in their careers," the statement read.