The Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of a powerful South African tighthead prop on a two-year deal from the 2026-27 season.
Cebo Dlamini began his professional career with the Bulls, making three Currie Cup appearances before joining Griquas in 2023.
The 24-year-old has since played 34 Currie Cup matches for Griquas and captained the side during their victorious 2025 campaign.
The prop also gained top-level experience during loan spells with the Durban-based Sharks – where he made his Vodacom URC debut in October – and later with the Dragons, where he made seven appearances, including two in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
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Dlamini says the move to England presents an opportunity to grow his game.
“I want to find a club that I can call home so I can try and reach my full potential. I know that a lot of South African players have gone to the Prem and become much better players through the quality and professionalism of the league,” he said.
“Sale have dominant forwards and have always been known for having a big, powerful, dynamic pack. I like a forward-dominant game, I love the set-piece and the scrum and I think the style will really suit me.
“I know Sale have a lot of good front-row players and I’m looking forward to testing myself in training every day against international players like Bevan Rodd and Nicky Smith.”
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Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson believes the club may have uncovered a hidden gem.
“Cebo is a really positive guy, an infectious character who likes to laugh and who’s captained his club at 24 years old. On top of that he’s a really good player.
“He’s powerful, dynamic, can hold down that side of the scrum and his close quarters work is excellent. If anyone comes down his channel, he’s going to level them.
“I think he could be a really rare find for us. He’s gone under the radar his whole career but clearly he has the potential to be a really good Prem player because his basics are very, very good.”
A new force in the front row
Welcome to the Sharks family, Cebo! Looking forward to seeing you join the pack
Hear more from Cebo and Al here – https://t.co/erdBQ3Jb2W pic.twitter.com/6IT1jRVzsj
— Sale Sharks
(@SaleSharksRugby) March 10, 2026
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
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