Sharks (Super rugby franchise)
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| Full name | Sharks |
|---|---|
| Union | South African Rugby Union |
| Emblem(s) | Shark |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Location | Durban, South Africa |
| Region | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Ground(s) | Growthpoint Kings Park (Capacity: 55,000) |
| CEO | Gary Teichmann |
| Coach(es) | Robert du Preez |
| Captain(s) | Patrick Lambie |
| League(s) | Super Rugby |
| 2016 | Quarterfinalist 2nd (Africa 1 Conference) 3rd (South African Group) 8th (overall) |
| Official website | |
| www |
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The Cell C Sharks are a South African rugby union team competing in the Super Rugby competition (Super 10, 1993–95; Super 12, 1996 – 2005; Super 14, 2006–10; Super Rugby 2011–present ). They are based in Durban and centred on the Sharks union, also based in Durban and drawing players from all of KwaZulu-Natal Province.
In 1993–1995 South Africa was represented in the Super 10 by their three top unions (top three teams from the previous years Currie Cup). Natal (as they were called then) qualified in 1993 and 1994. Natal were runners-up in 1994 after having lost to Queensland 21-10 in the final. In 1996 and 1997 South Africa was represented in the Super 12 by their four top unions rather than franchises, and Natal qualified and competed both years. They have never won any of the Super Rugby competition, but have reached the final four times, as Natal in 1996 and as the Sharks in 2001, 2007 and 2012.
The side contains many Springbok players, including Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira, JP Pietersen, Jean Deysel, Coenie Oosthuizen and Patrick Lambie. They have also featured many international stars including France international Frédéric Michalak. In 2010, they were slated to feature Argentine star Juan Martín Hernández, but he was ruled out for the season with a back injury.
Natal competed in the inaugural Super 10 during the 1993 season. They were in Pool A along with Auckland, Western Samoa, Queensland and Otago. They finished second in the pool on 12 points, behind Auckland on 16. The next season they played in Pool b with New South Wales, Western Samoa, Auckland and Waikato, and finished at the top of the pool to face Pool A winners Queensland in the final in Durban. Natal lost the game 21 to 10. Natal did not play in the 1995 series.
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