Sharks unveil Currie Cup captain
NEWS: With the regular captain, Ruan Botha set to join Japanese club Kubota Spears, the Sharks were forced to name a new captain for this year’s Currie Cup Season.
Botha has signed a short-term contract with Japanese Top League club Kubota Spears and will link up with Springbok Duane Vermeulen, who joined the side in June 2018
In Botha’s absence, the Sharks have opted to hand the captain’s armband to the experienced Mahlatse Chiliboy Ralepelle.
Apart from Ralepelle, the other players to form part of the leadership group are Daniel du Preez, Hyron Andrews, John-Hubert Meyer, Marius Louw, Robert du Preez Jnr and Tera Mtembu.
The 31-year-old Ralepelle made his debut for the Sharks in 2016 after starting his professional career with the Bulls. In 2006, at the age of just 19, he made his Springbok debut against the All Blacks and his leadership qualities and experience of playing at the highest level will add great value to the Sharks.
In terms of the coaching unit, there is continuity from Super Rugby, with Robert du Preez heading up the campaign. He will be assisted by Dick Muir (backline consultant), Jaco Pienaar (forwards coach), Braam van Straaten (defence) and AB Zondagh (skills).
One new edition to the Currie Cup coaching unit sees ex-England international Nick Easter, join for the campaign as breakdown coach. Easter will also assist van Straaten with defence and Pienaar with the lineouts during the tournament.
The Sharks have won the Currie Cup competition on seven occasions and hosted last year’s final, by finishing top of the log after the group stages.
The Sharks will open their Currie campaign against the Blue Bulls on Saturday, August 25 in Durban.
