Exclusive: Sharks’ New Recruit Nemo Roelofse Returns Home After a Decade in France

It has been a long and winding road for South African-born forward Nemo Roelofse, a journey that has taken him through the rugged proving grounds of France before finally leading him back home. 

After nearly 10 years abroad, Roelofse has decided the time is right to return to South Africa, signing with the Hollywoodbets Sharks ahead of the upcoming season.

Roelofse’s professional rugby career was forged far from home. With limited opportunities in South Africa early on, he made the bold decision to head to France, starting out in the highly competitive Pro D2 before earning his way into the elite Top 14. Now, after establishing himself in one of the toughest rugby environments in the world, he is set for a new chapter in Durban.

“I had a few options in France and to be honest, I didn’t even know the South African teams knew about me,” Roelofse explained. 

“My agent in South Africa sent me a message and said, ‘Listen, the Sharks are looking at you. Would you like to come back?’ I told him let’s see what they can offer. The offer was pretty good, so I said, why not?”

After a decade in Europe, the pull of home proved decisive.

“I’ve been professional for 10 years now, all of it in France,” he said. 

“I would really love to come back and play in South Africa for a bit.”

Hot Commodity on the Market

Roelofse’s return is not due to a lack of interest abroad. The forward confirmed that several French clubs were keen to secure his services, including his current side, Perpignan.

“I can’t tell you the names of the teams—it’s confidential,” he said. 

“Perpignan wanted to give me a two-year deal and there were another two clubs here in France as well.”

Despite the financial security and familiarity of staying in France, Roelofse felt the time was right for a new challenge.

“The reason I chose South Africa is that I wanted something different,” he explained. “A new environment, a new team, and why not go home and do that?”

From Pro D2 Battles to Top 14 Intensity

Roelofse’s French journey began with Pro D2 side Albi, followed by a stint at USON Nevers, before he made the step up to the Top 14 with Stade Français. He eventually rounded off his time in France with Perpignan, gaining invaluable experience along the way.

“My time in France hasn’t been easy. It has ups and downs,” he admitted. “The French culture is unique and the language barrier is a real thing.”

He highlighted the physical nature of Pro D2 rugby as a key learning experience.

“In Pro D2, you really fight your battles—scrums, lineouts, everything. The Top 14 is much faster and there’s a lot of attention to detail, especially at the breakdown.”

Despite the challenges, Roelofse believes the experience has shaped him as a player.

“It’s been good for me. I adapted well.”

Dual Citizenship in Progress

Roelofse’s long stay in France has also opened the door to dual nationality.

“I’ve got my 10-year visa and I’m in the process of getting my French passport,” he said. “There’s a lot of paperwork and translations involved, but once that’s done, I’ll keep both my French and South African passports.”

Joining a Bok-Laden Sharks Squad

At the Sharks, Roelofse will slot into a squad brimming with Springbok talent. While the Durban-based franchise has endured a challenging season marked by inconsistent results and management changes, Roelofse is relishing the opportunity to learn and contribute.

“There are so many Springbok players at the Sharks and the club has massive rugby history,” he said. “You’re never too old to learn. I want to bring the experience I’ve built in France and play good rugby for the Sharks.”

He remains pragmatic about off-field matters.

“The management situation is out of our hands as players. We just have to grind and do our work on the field,” he added. “I want to enjoy my time with my family in South Africa and play good rugby.”

Roelofse will travel to South Africa in March to visit the club, undergo medicals and familiarise himself with the structures, before making the full move to Durban in June.

Dreaming of Higher Honours

Like many South African players abroad, Roelofse has not lost sight of the ultimate goal—international rugby. With eligibility pathways potentially open through both France and South Africa, his focus remains firmly on performance.

“Honestly, there is politics in France and perhaps other countries as well,” he said. “For me, I just want to play good rugby.”

Still, the dream of wearing green and gold burns bright.

“Of course, it’s any rugby player’s dream to play for the Springboks,” Roelofse said. “They’ve won the World Cup four times and I believe they can do it again. To be in that environment one day would be a dream come true.”

For now, though, Nemo Roelofse’s journey has come full circle—back to South Africa, back to familiar shores, and into a new challenge with the Sharks.