Sharks (rugby franchise)

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Sharks
Full name	Sharks
Founded	1997
Union	South African Rugby Union
Location	Durban, South Africa
Region	Durban KwaZulu-Natal Province
Ground	Kings Park Stadium
Capacity	52,000
Coach	Dick Muir
League	Super 14
2006	5th
Home colours		Away colours

The Sharks are a South African rugby union team competing in the Super 14 competition (Super 10 from 1993-1995 and Super 12 from 1996-2005).They are based in Durban and centred around the Natal Sharks union, also based in Durban and drawing players from all of KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Through 2005, they drew players from the two unions based in Eastern Cape Province, the Mighty Elephants (Port Elizabeth) and the Bulldogs (East London), but those unions became the core of the new Southern Spears franchise that was formed in 2006 and was originally intended to enter the Super 14 in 2007. However, the Spears have since been denied entry into the Super 14. The current team captain is hooker and Springboks captain John Smit.

Contents 1 History 2 The Sharks 3 Super Rugby positions 4 External links

[edit] History

In 1993-1995 South Africa was represened 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 the Super 12 competition, but have reached the final twice, as Natal in 1996 and as the Sharks in 2001.

[edit] The Sharks

After being informally called the Banana Boys for a century, some felt it was time for a change. The Sharks branding was the brain child of Terry Kukle, the owner of Tag International. After assessing international marketing trends, Kukle presented this strategy to the council of the Natal Rugby Union. After many meetings a decision was finally made to go ahead with the new branding. The local press at first were very hesitant to accept the new name and branding, but after a very successful season and great products and promotions the Sharks were embraced by all.^{[citation needed]}

The local press at first were very hesitant to accept the new name and branding and fans were polarised by the radical proposed change that flew in the face of rugby tradition and convention. After much controversy in the media (which very rapidly brought the proposed brand to everyone's attention) and a very successful season supported by great products and promotions the Sharks were embraced by all.

The Sharks' marketing has been widely acknowledged in marketing and rugby circles as best practice and included as a successful case study in many marketing text books.

[edit] Super Rugby positions

(as Natal)
1993 ..	...	.. (Did not reach finals, second in their table)
1994 ..	2nd	.. (lost final to Queensland)
1995 ..	...	.. (Did not qualify)
1996 ..	2nd	.. (lost final to Auckland Blues)
1997 ..	4th	.. (lost semi-final to Auckland Blues)
(as The Sharks)
1998 ..	3rd	.. (lost semi-final to Canterbury Crusaders)
1999 ..	7th
2000 ..	12th
2001 ..	2nd	.. (lost final to ACT Brumbies)
2002 ..	10th
2003 ..	11th
2004 ..	7th
2005 ..	12th
2006 ..	5th

[edit] External links

• Official site
• Data and statistics itsrugby.com