Manie Libbok has officially confirmed his return to South Africa, with the Sharks announcing his signing ahead of next season.
The fly-half will leave the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners when his contract expires in Japan, bringing his spell overseas to an end and returning to Durban.
The move marks another major signing in South African rugby today, following the news that Malcolm Marx will join the Bulls.
Libbok began his professional career with the Bulls before joining the Sharks in 2020. He then moved to the Stormers in 2021, where he established himself as one of the leading fly-halves in South African rugby.
He played a key role in the Stormers' United Rugby Championship triumph, finishing as the competition's leading points scorer.
The 29-year-old made his Springboks debut in 2022 and featured prominently in their 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning campaign.
Known for his attacking creativity and kicking ability, Libbok moved to Japan's Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in 2025, continuing his career overseas.
However, his return to the Sharks presents an opportunity to make a fresh impact in Durban.
Having spent just one season with the club earlier in his career, Libbok now returns with considerably more experience and a World Cup winners' medal to his name.
With 34 Test caps for the Springboks and still only 29, he represents a significant addition to the Sharks' squad.
The Durban side currently sit fourth in the URC and boast a squad packed with Springboks, including Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker.
The arrival of Libbok at fly-half could provide the attacking spark needed to turn the Sharks into serious title contenders next season.
"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.”
