The Cell C Sharks received a timely boost with confirmation that seasoned Springbok loose forward Keegan Daniel is returning to Durban.
Daniel, who has spent 2 seasons with Kubota in Japan, will be playing for the Sharks in the 2016 Super Rugby season.
With 199 caps for the Sharks, 59 of those as captain, he also led the team to Currie Cup glory in 2013.
Daniel, 30, played the last of his 5 Tests for the Springboks against Argentina at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza, in August 2012.
Always a fierce competitor, he will bring strong leadership and experience to the team environment – which will greatly benefit the youngsters in the Sharks squad.
“Keegan’s record at the Sharks speaks volumes about the impact he had at this franchise as well as the calibre of player he is,” Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold said.
“We look forward to welcoming him home.”
Cell C Sharks Squad for Warm-up Tour to France:
The Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby, Gary Gold, named a 32-man squad who departed for France on Monday 1 February for a 2 match pre-season tour.
Our 1st match on tour is against Toulon on 5 February and on 11 February we conclude the tour with a match against Toulouse.
The players listed below will form part of the touring squad to France:
Forwards |
Backs |
| Christiaan de Bruin | André Esterhuizen |
| Coenie Oosthuizen | Cobus Reinach |
| Daniel du Preez | Garth April |
| Dave McDuling | Heimar Williams |
| Etienne Oosthuizen | Joe Pietersen |
| Franco Marais | Johan Deysel |
| Francois Kleinhans | Lwazi Mvovo |
| Gerhard Engelbrecht | Michael Claassens |
| Hyron Andrews | Odwa Ndungane |
| Jean-Luc du Preez | Patrick Lambie |
| Juan Schoeman | Paul Jordaan |
| Kyle Cooper | S’bura Sithole |
| Lourens Adriaanse | Stefan Ungerer |
| Marcell Coetzee | Wandile Mjekevu |
| Ruan Botha | Willie le Roux |
| Tendai Mtawarira | |
| Giant Mtayanda |
Gary Gold, The Sharks Director of Rugby said: “We looking forward to this tour. We have had a good pre-season and we eager to test combinations and get some game time under our belt. The quality of opposition we will be facing will ensure that we get the necessary preparation we require ahead of the start of our Super Rugby campaign.”
There are certain players who form part of our provisional Super Rugby squad that have not been considered for selection, due to injury / rehab.
Note: Philip van der Walt who was originally included in the squad has had to pull out after picking up concussion during training. His place has been taken by Giant Mtayanda.
rugby365 & sharksrugby
Sharks team to play Toulon has been announced:
Sharks: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Lwazi Mvovo, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Pat Lambie (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements – from: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, Lourens Adriaanse, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Dave McDuling, Hyron Andrews, Stefan Ungerer, Michael Claassens, Garth April, Heimar Williams, Johan Deysel, Wandile Mjekevu, Sibusiso Sithole.