The Sharks Forge Strategic Partnership with Border and Pumas for Rugby Revitalisation

The Sharks have solidified a strategic deal with Border and the Pumas, aiming to bring financial stability and support to its fellow South African rugby unions. This move, as reported by Rugby365, marks a significant step towards collaboration and growth within the rugby community.

At a press conference in Durban, Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee clarified that the partnership with Border does not entail the Sharks becoming the equity partner of the union. Instead, the focus is on mutually beneficial collaboration rather than control.

Coetzee expressed pride in the opportunity to revitalize a heritage deeply rooted in the Super Rugby era, uniting Natal Sharks, Border, and Eastern Province under a shared vision. The formal partnership, he explained, encompasses various aspects such as grassroots rugby, club support, and financial oversight.

During his address, Coetzee stated, “We would like to officially announce the formal partnership that we have agreed contractually with the Border Rugby Union and the Sharks. We went forward and back a lot on this, and I think the easiest way in our day could be to say, ‘We want to buy 51 percent of the company, give us control,’ and it wasn’t like that. We started from the point of collaboration from the get-go.”

Reflecting on Border’s recent challenges, Coetzee commended the forward-thinking approach of newly-elected president Zuko Badli in facilitating the agreement. The partnership with the Pumas, on the other hand, is expected to focus on commercial initiatives, emphasizing shared resources and a business-oriented outlook.

Coetzee further elaborated, stating, “We will share commercial inventory in terms of sponsorship, instead of advertising for commercial sponsors. We will also have player exchanges throughout the squads, obviously not in overlapping tournaments, so when it comes to Currie Cup it would be a different arrangement.”

This strategic alignment between the Sharks, Border, and Pumas signifies a commitment to the development and sustainability of South African rugby, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and growth within the sport.