Challenge Cup

Sharks claim first European title

The Sharks made history by becoming the first South African team to win a European final with a comfortable victory over Gloucester to claim the EPCR Challenge Cup in London on Friday.

Ackermann done playing games with Sharks

South African loose forward Ruan Ackermann has put friendships on hold as Gloucester and the Sharks gear up for a blockbuster European cup decider on Friday night.

Picks: Sharks crowned Euro champs!

The Sharks hoist the Challenge Cup, while Leinster claim a fifth Champions Cup trophy, according to the SARugbymag.co.za team and readers.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 31: Ruan Nortje (captain) of the Vodacom Bulls during the United Rugby Championship match between Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo Mandatory Credit Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

Watch: Bulls, Stormers back Sharks

Vodacom Bulls skipper Ruan Nortje and DHL Stormers counterpart Salmaan Moerat sent messages of support to the Sharks for their Challenge Cup final on Friday night.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 06: Lukhanyo Am, captain of Hollywoodbets Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Hollywoodbets Sharks and Emirates Lions at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)

Sharks can’t hide URC failures in Euro cup

A potential EPCR title win for the Sharks in London on Friday cannot detract from their dismal performances in the Vodacom URC this season, writes MARK KEOHANE.

LIVE: Sharks vs Gloucester

Follow the live action as the Sharks clash with Gloucester for the #ChallengeCupRugby trophy. ? #GLOvSHA ?

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Eben Etzebeth of Hollywoodbets Sharks stretches during the Hollywoodbets Sharks Captain's Run and press conference ahead of the EPCR Challenge Cup Final against Gloucester Rugby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images)

Eben excited for his ‘biggest club game’ ever

Eben Etzebeth has acknowledged the magnitude of the Sharks’ European cup decider on Friday, as John Plumtree looks to his Springbok world champions to “drive the passion”.

Saffa bruiser to front Sharks in finale

Gloucester have deployed former Lions flanker Ruan Ackermann against the Sharks in the blockbuster decider of the Challenge Cup on Friday.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Eben Etzebeth of Hollywoodbets Sharks smiles at a scrum surrounded by team-mates during the EPCR Challenge Cup Semi Final match between Hollywoodbets Sharks and ASM Clermont Auvergne at Twickenham Stoop on May 04, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images)

Etzebeth to lead Sharks in historic clash

The Sharks have named two-time Springbok world champion Eben Etzebeth as captain of the side to take on Gloucester in the Challenge Cup final in London on Friday night.

(Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)

Can the Sharks claim a maiden Challenge Cup trophy, and will Toulouse win a sixth Champions Cup? Pick your winners! After an abysmal URC campaign, the Sharks have a shot at redemption in the Challenge Cup final on Friday night against Gloucester, who have also had a poor domestic season, languishing near the bottom of the English Premiership in ninth… Read more →