Sharks Rugby

When the Sharks first participated in the Super 10 tournament in 1993, they were known simply as Natal. Over the years, the team have undergone several rebrands and name changes, but they’ve been known as the Sharks (they were briefly known as the Coastal Sharks) since the advent of professionalism. When the side first changed names, they were met with huge hostility. However, fast-forward to the current day and fans are proud of the Sharks brand.

The Sharks Rugby team are one of the most successful sides in the history of Super Rugby. Although they never won the tournament, the team regularly featured in the competition’s knockout rounds and they’ve even appeared in the final four times. Notably, the Sharks Rugby team suffered heartbreak in the 2007 final when they were defeated by fellow South African side the Bulls. The Sharks led in the final minute of the tie, but an 82nd-minute converted try gave the Bulls a one-point victory.

When the 2020 edition of Super Rugby was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, South African sides were forced to withdraw from the competition and they instead played in the Super Rugby Unlocked tournament. From 2021, the Sharks Rugby team will play in the newly-formed PRO14 Rainbow Cup at the end of the PRO14 season. Following this, the side will enter an expanded PRO16 tournament.