Many Sharks supporters have wondered what has become of the top players who are not involved with the Springboks, but are also not playing in the Currie Cup.
Coach JP Pietersen has the answer ahead of tomorrows visit to the Lions at Ellis Park (3pm start).
If you ask about players like Siya Masuku, Ethan Hooker and Gerbrandt Grobler, they are not allowed to play in the Currie Cup over eight weeks because of an agreement between SA Rugby and the players union, My Players, Pietersen explained yesterday.
This answers a big question as to why the top Currie Cup teams are not playing their United Rugby Championship players who are not in the Springbok set-up.
It also explains why a player like Phepsi Buthelezi, who has been cut from the Bok squad for the Rugby Championship, cannot play for the Sharks this week when they visit the Lions.