Sharks makes history as SA’s first team to be crowned European Challenge Cup

The Hollywoodbets Sharks demonstrated exceptional performance, becoming the first South African team to achieve success in Europe. They secured a remarkable 36-22 victory over Gloucester in the EPCR Challenge Cup final held in London yesterday, May 24.

Despite facing early pressure with a yellow card issued to their fullback, Aphelele Fassi, in the sixth minute, the Durbanites exhibited remarkable resilience. They effectively neutralized Gloucester’s challenges and subsequently gained control of the match during the crucial period before and after halftime.

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, extended his congratulations to the team for their triumph. “A huge well done to the Hollywoodbets Sharks, for winning the Challenge Cup. You have made the nation proud. South Africa is indeed a nation of winners.”

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who assumed the captaincy of the Sharks in the absence of the injured Lukhanyo Am, demonstrated exceptional leadership and defensive prowess alongside his fellow forwards.

“The motivation to win was more within the team,” remarked Hollywoodbets Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth.

Eben Etzebeth, a prominent rugby player, expressed his delight at the remarkable turnaround achieved by his team. Despite a challenging season, they managed to secure a significant victory in the Challenge Cup, which provided a silver lining to their overall performance.

“At club-level, this is by far the best memory. The last championship I won at club-level was the Currie Cup in 2012, so it has been 12 years,” reflected Etzebeth.

This victory not only etched their names in the annals of history but also secured their participation in the prestigious Investec Champions Cup.