The Airlink Pumas have named Willie Engelbrecht as team captain to lead the squad out for their 2026 Carling Currie Cup season opener against the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV.
The Pumas head into the premier division tournament with high confidence after recently securing silverware as the 2026 SA Cup champions back in May.
Hardman loose forward Willie Engelbrecht retains his leadership role for this year's provincial campaign under head coach Jimmy Stonehouse.
Airlink Pumas: 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Lundi Msenge, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Tino Swanepoel, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (c), 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Jordan McLoughlin, 1.Kudzwai Dube. Replacements: 16 Chyle van Zyl, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Stephan Krugel, 20 Marvellous Mashimbyi, 21 Russwill Fredericks, 22 Danrich Visagie, 23 Alfonso Isaacs.