URC Sharks have identified a Swiss base camp for European matches

New United Rugby Championship franchise the Sharks have identified Geneva in Switzerland as their preferred base camp for future tours to Europe. Already beaten by Munster and Glasgow in Ireland and Scotland respectively, the Sharks are currently in Wales preparing to face the Ospreys in Swansea this Friday before their maiden URC tour ends with a match at Cardiff next week. 

In the future, though, the South African franchise will look to base themselves in Switzerland following a new deal between the Durban-based club and Servette de Geneve. 

A club statement read: "The Sharks are delighted to announce a partnership with the Servette de Geneve and the business community of Geneva that will focus on growing the sport in the region and the creation of a CSI funding programme that will focus on development and the uplift of communities in South Africa.

"With the Cell C Sharks now playing in the northern hemisphere, there are discussions currently underway for The Sharks to utilise Geneva as a base camp to prepare for matches played in Europe. There are also some exciting plans to expand our Sharks academy by opening a division in Geneva."

Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee added: “As a global brand, partnering with the Servette de Geneve and the business community in Geneva is very much in line with The Sharks’ objective and focus on taking our brand to the world.

“The eagerness of the Servette de Genève and the business community of Geneva is testimony to the strength of The Sharks brand and this will undoubtedly grow the Sharks presence in Switzerland and in greater Europe. The team looks forward to basing ourselves in Geneva and to utilise the top-class facilities, grow our brand and ultimately the sport we love in the beautiful city of Geneva.

“We continually strive to identify social responsibility initiatives that will benefit our communities in South Africa and this partnership will allow us to raise much needed funds to bolster our efforts in making a difference in our country. This bi-lateral cooperation will also be focused on the uplift and expansion of not just rugby in both our regions, but in other key areas such as education, social uplift and commercial growth.”