THE Sharks have suffered another huge blow ahead of their first Super Rugby outing this weekend as utility back Curwin Bosch has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

The Durban-based franchise are set to kick off their 2019 season against the Sunwolves in Singapore on Saturday at 12.55 pm (South African time).

The Robert du Preez senior-coached Sharks team is expected to leave Durban today and Bosch will not be part of the 25-man travelling squad.

Du Preez, who will only announce his travelling squad today, confirmed the fullback/flyhalf is no longer available for selection yesterday. “Curwin got a big shot on his shoulder so he is also out of the tour,” said Du Preez senior.

Before his injury, Bosch started both pre-season matches against the Lions and Bulls ahead of the preferred pivot, Robert du Preez junior.

The coach said though Du Preez junior wasn’t played in the previous two matches because they were managing him, they were planning to start with the 21-year-old on Saturday.

“We were just managing Rob [Du Preez junior], you know he is coming back from playing overseas but we were probably going to start with Curwin in Singapore, but he got injured now,” he said.

On the sidelines, Bosch joins flankers Jean-Luc du Preez and Philip van der Walt, who are long-term injuries. Centre Marius Louw is also doubtful for the trip to Sunwolves.