Nick Hatton's rugby journey began at Hilton College, where he captained the 1st XV and served as Head of School in 2021 - early evidence of the leadership that has defined his career. Rated among South Africa's top schoolboy loose forwards, he joined the Sharks system straight out of school.
Hatton made his senior debut as a mid-season addition to the 2022 Currie Cup Premier Division squad, facing the Free State Cheetahs in Round 11. His United Rugby Championship debut came in April 2024, starting against Glasgow Warriors, and he has since featured in EPCR competition as well.
Leadership followed quickly: he captained the Sharks' Currie Cup side during their triumphant 2024 campaign, lifting the famous gold cup, and was named the Sharks' Currie Cup Player of the Season for 2025 at the club's awards banquet. Hatton enters 2026/27 as one of Durban's foremost young leaders.
