Based on the pictures from yesterday’s Sharks training session, Namibian World Cup lock Tjiuee Uanivi has been recalled to Durban and is training with Gary Gold’s squad ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby opener against the Kings.
Uanivi joined the Sharks late last year for pre-season (from Brive in France) but was forced to leave the country again over December in order to sort out his work permit. It was a little surprising to discover that he’d been seen at Kings training earlier in the year, but we were informed that he was there on a loan basis and had indeed signed with the Sharks.
Ruan Botha’s 3-month injury lay-off has created something of a depth issue at lock for Gary Gold and his coaching team, hence the decision to recall the 2.00m Uanivi to Durban.
Welcome back, Tjiuee. Let’s see what you can do.

Great!
Woohoo. Great news!
Uanivi should have a fair bit of behind the scenes insights to share.
My biggest concern is whether the Sharks will be able to take the field with the necessary respect for an unknown opponent.
Good news we need every player in this SR. Its a long series and the more player we can have the beter. Hope Tjiuee can produce the goods. Good luck and welcome.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 3) : if they go onto the field at any stage this year without healthy respect for their opponents, it’s going to be another long season.
@robdylan (Comment 5) : I’m hoping that between Du Preez and the MMA fella, that our boys will be too scared to do anything without 120% intensity and heart.
good news.options at no5-lock: lewies,uanivi,andrews.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 3) : @robdylan (Comment 5) : @FireTheLooser (Comment 6) : must say I do think that with RdP there he will at least try to keep the players grounded!!!!!!!!!! and don’t think he’s the type of person that will take lightly to a high and mighty attitude so I think the preparation would be as if they were playing the top NZ side!!!
really good news to have him back as cover for no5 lock!!!!!!!
@robdylan (Comment 5) : On something totally different, but that also involve the kings, I see that players still not getting paid their salaries? I mean really how do these guys expect a man to survive and provide for his family with no money, this is their profession and how they earn a living, my heart and feelings really goes out to these guys, just can’t imagine the trouble and turmoil they are going through of the field, the only thing as that we can pray with them for change at the union and that they can get their lively hood back together for the players that is suffering
@Henkb (Comment 10) : yes basically only the players that SARU “contracted” for Super rugby will be getting money the rest will have to rely on EP rugby for money. Think it’s time for SARU to step in and take control of the whole union as the current leadership seems unable or unwilling to change things!!!!!!!!!
Uanivi not among the Kings squad that was anounced. Specifically looked for his name, came onto Sharksworld to enquire and found this post ????
@JD (Comment 11) : SARU cannot afford to pay the salaries of every player EP Rugby has contracted.
@JustPlainSHARK (Comment 12) : so your only mistake was not checking here first?
@robdylan (Comment 14) :
Good stuff…
@robdylan (Comment 14) : 😀
I must say our team management have been making some much smarter moves than last year. If we are going to measure performance improvements we should give them a tip of the hat as well.
@coolfusion (Comment 18) : Bar of course the little slip of playing all available star players in a friendly.
@robdylan (Comment 13) : I know that but just letting the union carry on with their non payment policy is also not working so something needs to be done and personally it seems as not a lot has changed from August 2015. As things are currently no person/sponsor will invest a cent into Kings rugby, at least if SARU takes over possible sponsors will know their money will be used correctly (well sort of) and could just start to invest again!!!!!!!!!! Something needs to be done!!