Sale Sharks have agreed a deal to sign powerful tighthead prop Cebo Dlamini, who will join the club on a two-year contract starting from the 2026/27 season.
The 24-year-old South African began his career with the Vodacom Bulls, making three appearances in the Currie Cup before moving to Griquas in 2023.
During his time with Griquas, Dlamini has featured 34 times in the Currie Cup and captained the side during their successful 2025 campaign.
He made his United Rugby Championship debut while on loan at the Hollywoodbets Sharks in October, before going on to make his European debut against Toulouse in the Champions Cup.
In December, Dlamini joined the Dragons, where he made seven appearances for the Welsh side, including two in the European Challenge Cup.
Cebo said: “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.
“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. I think the squad and the club will be in a really good place over the next couple of years.
“I’ve heard the club has really passionate supporters and I can’t wait to come over and put my best foot forward for them. It’s a club that’s hungry to win silverware and I really want to be a part of that.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “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 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 - brnw.ch/21x0Cac