Bob Skinstad hails being part of 'sleeping giant' club takeover

Former Springbok hails consortium's takeover of Kings Park outfit

Bob Skinstad has welcomed a fresh start for the Sharks under their new consortium of owners.

The former Springbok and Sharks captain is part of a group of investors who have taken over the Durban-based Super Rugby franchise.

The consortium, which also includes former Sharks players John Smit and Stefan Terblanche, has pledged to invest heavily in the team in a bid to restore it to its former glories.

Skinstad said he was excited to be part of the new era for the Sharks.

"The Sharks are a sleeping giant," he said. "They have a proud history and a passionate fan base. I believe that with the right investment and leadership, we can make them a force to be reckoned with once again."

The Sharks have struggled in recent years, finishing bottom of the South African conference in the last two Super Rugby seasons.

However, Skinstad is confident that the new consortium can turn things around.

"We have a lot of work to do, but I am confident that we can make the Sharks a success both on and off the field," he said.

The consortium has already made a number of changes to the Sharks, including appointing former Springbok coach Jake White as director of rugby.

White is a two-time World Cup winner and is widely regarded as one of the best rugby coaches in the world.

Skinstad believes that White is the right man to lead the Sharks to success.

"Jake is a world-class coach," he said. "He knows what it takes to win at the highest level. I am confident that he can help us achieve our goals."

The Sharks will begin their Super Rugby campaign in February 2023.

They will be hoping to make a fresh start under their new consortium of owners.