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Cape Town - Former Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle is likely to be included in the Sharks’ touring squad for their Super Rugby tour to New Zealand.
The Sharks will face the Lions in Durban this Saturday before embarking on a trip to New Zealand where they will face the Blues (Auckland, April 16), Highlanders (Dunedin, April 22) and Chiefs (Hamilton, April 29).
Ralepelle, who played 22 Tests for the Springboks between 2006 and 2013, was signed by the Sharks late last year.
But he is yet to feature for them due to a two-year suspension for a doping violation.
The suspension will come to an end on April 10 and Gold is expected to include the hooker when he names his 27-man touring squad on Friday.
Franco Marais has predominantly started at hooker for the Sharks this season, with Kyle Cooper providing back up, but Gold hinted that he will include three hookers in his squad.
“Chili’s available now for tour. You need three hookers on tour,” Gold said at a press conference in Durban on Thursday.
“Unfortunately he’s not allowed to play yet this weekend, but he’s available to tour and available to play next weekend. And I’m very nervous about not going on tour with three hookers. I’ve been bitten badly with that before.”
