Former captain Keegan Daniel will depart the Cell C Sharks at the conclusion of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament to join Kubota in Japan.

Having joined The Sharks Academy in 2004, Keegan went on to make his Sharks debut in 2006 against the Reds. With 199 caps to date for the Cell C Sharks, 59 of those as captain, he led the team to ABSA Currie Cup glory in 2013.

Cell C Sharks Media Release

Keegan will always be regarded as an exceptional player who has served The Sharks with distinction over the years. He is a fierce competitor and someone that always boxed above his weight and led by example. His humble nature and never-say-die attitude are some of his greatest attributes and both the team and administrators alike will miss his steely determination and courage.

Commenting on his departure, The Sharks CEO, John Smit said: “Keegan has been an instrumental part of The Sharks for many years. His commitment to the jersey and to the franchise could never be questioned.

“We offered Keegan a long-term contract to stay in Durban, but he has decided that it was time in his career for a new challenge. We respect his decision and thank him for ten years of dedication and loyalty. We wish him the very best for this new and exciting chapter in his life.”

Keegan Daniel added: “I am eternally grateful to The Sharks for what they have done for my career. I have been at the union for ten years, experienced many highs, and have had the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and have built lasting friendships along the way. It is never an easy decision to make when the time comes to move on and ply your trade elsewhere.

“I am sad to leave a place that I have called home and will always respect what The Sharks jersey stands for. It was an honour to captain the team for a couple of seasons and I have enjoyed every single moment of my time here.

“I look forward to contributing to the team’s aspirations during the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament before I embark on a new journey that seeks to embrace a new culture and style of rugby.”

The Sharks would like to take this opportunity to wish Keegan the very best in his career going forward.