Ralepelle To Lead The Sharks

The Sharks have confirmed that the very experienced Sharks hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle, will captain the Sharks during the 2018 Currie Cup tournament.

Chiliboy is a highly respected senior player and his appointment, together with the appointment of a leadership group who were voted for by the players themselves, will take the team forward during this campaign.

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.