Sharks Director of Rugby Jake White says matches between South African provinces and English clubs could be the way forward.
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White’s Sharks suffered a hard-fought 15-23 defeat to Premiership leaders Saracens at Allianz Stadium on Saturday in the Durban side’s first pre-season match ahead of the Super Rugby season.
The visitors were predictably rusty and trailed 3-20 at half-time after having lost both locks Etienne Oosthuizen and Pieter-Steph du Toit to yellow cards in quick succession.
The howling wind and rain made matters that much more difficult for the Sharks, but they showed great character to fight back and win the second half 12-3 with tries by impressive newcomer Andre Esterhuizen and replacement Heimar Williams.
The Sharks showed no signs of slowing down in the final quarter and White would have taken valuable lessons out of the unique north-south fixture.
White said it was an advantageous trip and could become a regular occurrence.
“Maybe this is the sign of things to come,” White told the BBC.
“It’s an overnight flight, and we’ll be back at work on Monday afternoon after playing a team in England.”
White said a tournament involving South African and English teams might be a possibility in the future.
“Logistically, to fit in an extra tournament against South African sides will be a bit tough, but maybe that can happen in the future.
“And for now there’s nothing wrong with now and then having southern hemisphere club sides against northern hemisphere club sides. Maybe here [England] can be a home from home. I’m sure there are exciting times ahead.”
White added that the large number of South African ex-pats in London adds to the intrigue.
“I’m sure they’re going to enjoy some of the players they have supported as young kids playing in this country.”
Of concern for White will be the injury to Springbok wing Lwazi Mvovo, who was stretchered off early in the second half.
The extent of the injury is yet to be revealed.