JOHANNESBURG - The Sharks on Monday confirmed that Chiliboy Ralepelle, will captain the Sharks for duration the Currie Cup starting this week.
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 19, he made his Springbok debut against the All Blacks.
"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," the Sharks said in a release on their website.
"There is no greater motivation for this group of players to lead from the front, than being given the backing from their coaching staff and peers. 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."
In terms of the coaching unit, there is continuity from the Super Rugby competition, 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 tournament starts on Friday, and with a bye in the first weekend’s action, the Sharks will open their campaign when they host the Blue Bulls on Saturday August 25 at Kings Park.
Experience a festival of rugby in Durban, when some of the top teams in @WorldRugby grace our shores for the weekend!🏉
Tickets are on sale now at https://t.co/IMLvLkuhty, so be sure not to miss the action!🎟 #OurSharksForever #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/0Yz6b2NJDX
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) August 6, 2018