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Sharks
The Sharks, also known as the Hollywoodbets Sharks, is a South African rugby team that competes in the United Rugby Championship.
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History of the Hollywoodbets Sharks
The Sharks rugby union team was initially founded in 1890 under the name of Natal. At this stage, the team primarily competed in the Currie Cup.
In its early years, the side was unsuccessful. In fact, Natal did not reach the final of the Currie Cup until 1956, and they did not win the competition for the first time until 1990. Coincidentally, the Sharks rugby union team's first success came as it was celebrating its centenary year. Ever since, the side has been a force in the competition, claiming eight further Currie Cup titles.
Thanks to their performances in the Currie Cup, the Sharks rugby team also began to appear in Super Rugby in 1993. Today, the Sharks operate as two teams: Sharks XV in the Currie Cup and the Hollywoodbets Sharks in international club competitions.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have appeared in several international competitions over the years, including Super Rugby, the United Rugby Championship, the European Rugby Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup, along with several other smaller tournaments.
The team has been moderately successful on the international stage. They finished as runners-up in Super Rugby on four occasions, and in the Super 10 once. Added to this, they won the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2022-23.
Since the formation of the Sharks rugby team, several legends of South African rugby have represented the side, including André Joubert, John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis, François Steyn, Ruan Pienaar, Pieter-Steph du Toit and current Springboks captain, Siya Kolisi.
Think the Sharks rugby union team can finally capture their first United Rugby Championship title this season? Find out with RugbyPass.