Sharks To Face English Giants In Durban

The Hollywoodbets Sharks have confirmed they will host English rugby giants Saracens for a pre-season tour in Durban next month.

The tour will culminate in a friendly match on 5 September, serving as a curtain-raiser for the Sharks’ Carling Currie Cup clash against the Pumas.

A High-Profile Encounter

The Sharks announced the match in a statement, highlighting the opportunity for both teams to test themselves against a quality opponent before the new season begins. The game will be a key event for both squads and will take place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park at 4:30.

It remains to be seen if Saracens’ star lock Maro Itoje will be part of the touring squad, especially after he recently led the British and Irish Lions to victory over Australia.

More Than Just a Match

The tour’s purpose extends beyond the 80 minutes of play. According to the Sharks’ statement, the two clubs will engage in a “knowledge exchange,” collaborating on several key areas of the game to “remain at the forefront of modern rugby.”

In addition to the on-field activities, the teams will also participate in commercial and cultural initiatives. The tour aims to provide a “uniquely South African experience” for the visiting Saracens players and will include community-focused projects to reinforce rugby’s positive social impact.

Fans are encouraged to follow both teams on social media for exclusive behind-the-scenes content during the tour.

Past Connections

The matchup is not entirely a surprise, given the historical ties between the clubs. Sharks prop Vincent Koch and former Springbok captain John Smit, who led South Africa to the 2007 World Cup title, both previously played for Saracens.

Shaun Bryans, the Sharks CEO, emphasized the value of the fixture, stating, “Not only does this match give our players a high-quality challenge… but it also deepens our relationship with Saracens, a club that shares our vision for innovation, excellence and making a meaningful impact both on and off the field.”