One of the oldest and most prestigious Club Rugby competitions in the world, the Murray Cup, has received the backing of a new title sponsor, Hollywoodbets.
Hollywoodbets’ title sponsorship sees them receive naming rights for the tournament, which will now be known as the Hollywoodbets Murray Cup competition.
Together with Hollywoodbets, the KZNRU is committed to further extending the appeal of this exciting tournament that dates back to 1890, when the then Union President Mr. T.K. Murray presented this cup to be played on a ‘knock-out’ system.
Commenting on the partnership, GM of the KZNRU Siseko Jafta said: “We are delighted to welcome Hollywoodbets to our club rugby family and look forward to a successful and mutually beneficial partnership. Together with our other associate sponsors, we are eager to build on the success of this tournament and hopefully, take it to a new level.”
Speaking on behalf of Hollywoodbets, its Media and Communications Executive, Devin Heffer expressed these sentiments: “At Hollywoodbets we believe in investing in the communities that we are a part of and we are particularly passionate about developing sport. Being involved in an esteemed club competition like the Murray Cup allows us to take our brand to all corners of KwaZulu-Natal and to have a supportive influence on rugby, at a grassroots level.
“The KZNRU and the Murray Cup Committee have put together some great concepts and innovations in their planning for this year’s tournament, which we believe will be dynamic and entertaining – traits our company attempts to embody in everything we do. We are also looking to leave our purple touch on the tournament and to bring our Hollywoodbets energy and flair to the rugby field.”
The Hollywoodbets Murray Cup competition commences on Saturday, 4th August with the KZNRU Fidelity Security Premier League teams playing the top Fidelity Security First Division Clubs from the North and South regions of KwaZulu-Natal. There are several new exciting competition rules that have already been confirmed, while others are in the pipeline and will be communicated in due course.
‘Finals Day’, of not just the Hollywoodbets Murray Cup competition, but also all the other Club rugby knockout finals, will be played at the Crusaders Rugby Club on Saturday 1st September 2018. The Cell C Sharks junior teams will play their respective championship matches at the same venue on the day.
The scene is set for a festival of club rugby action over the next few weeks and with the support of our valued sponsors and club rugby enthusiasts throughout our province, we anticipate yet another memorable year of club rugby action.
Additional Information
Rules changes confirmed for the 2018 tournament
- No kicking outside of your own 22m for the first 10 minutes of each half;
- Tries scored under the poles do not require a conversion (automatic 7 points);
- Conversions must be taken within 30 seconds;
- One strategic break per half, meaning there will be four 20 minutes quarters to the game;
- Each squad will comprise of 25 players.
The post New Sponsor for Murray Cup appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Cell C Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has largely stuck with last week’s side in naming his team to host the Jaguares at JONSSON KINGS PARK on Saturday in the final round of the Vodacom Super Rugby pool stages.
That this is a must win match, a knock-out or final if you will, cannot be more emphasised and the team know only too well the importance riding on the outcome of the match.
Continuity is like gold and minimal changes means the side will look to finish the pool stages on a high.
As expected, Beast Mtawarira returns in place of Juan Schoeman after having his workload reduced last week, while Kobus van Wyk replaces the injured Sbu Nkosi on the wing. Scans have indicated that Sbu has a syndesmosis sprain on his left ankle and will unfortunately be out for approximately 8 -12 weeks. The good news is that Daniel du Preez has been cleared to play and takes his place at eighthman.
One player who is enjoying his extended playing role is Cell C Sharks lock Tyler Paul who has come in to replace the injured Stephan Lewies and has taken his opportunities with both hands.
“As a player, you want to be in the mix, starting regularly because that’s how you get noticed further down the line,” he explains. “It’s unfortunate that we’ve had some injuries, but it’s been nice for me to get opportunities to start week in and week out.
“But with that comes responsibilities; obviously performing primarily, doing my job on matchday.”
There is no getting away from the fact that there is enormous pressure on the Cell C Sharks this week, but Paul emphasises that this is not something the players shy away from.
“You want to play in high pressure games in professional rugby, these are the moments that make or break players or teams. So, this weekend is do or die for us, we have to win. Unfortunately there is another result we have to count on but if that goes our way and we pull out all the stops in our match then we will be fine.
“The vibe in the camp has been good, training has gone well and the guys are ready and will be at their best.”
The first round match against the Jaguares was won by the Argentineans in Buenos Aires but that has no bearing on this match.
“Going there is never easy, the travel factor is a major influence, but we can’t use that as any excuse for the result there,” he points out. “They are coming here to our home ground, and if we match them upfront – the Jaguares are known for their physicality – and lay a good platform, our backs should do well.
“And if we can maintain composure and keep calm in the high pressure situations and remain focused, then hopefully we’ll prevail.”
| The Cell C Sharks |
Replacements |
| 1. Tendai Mtawarira |
16. Chiliboy Ralepelle |
| 2. Akker van der Merwe |
17. Juan Schoeman |
| 3. Thomas du Toit |
18. John-Hubert Meyer |
| 4. Tyler Paul |
19. Hyron Andrews |
| 5. Ruan Botha (C) |
20. Wian Vosloo |
| 6. Philip van der Walt |
21. Cameron Wright |
| 7. Jacques Vermeulen |
22. Marius Louw |
| 8. Daniel du Preez |
23. Makazole Mapimpi |
| 9. Louis Schreuder |
|
| 10. Robert du Preez |
|
| 11. Lwazi Mvovo |
|
| 12. Andre Esterhuizen |
|
| 13. Lukhanyo Am |
|
| 14. Kobus van Wyk |
|
| 15. Curwin Bosch |
The post Minor Tweaks for Jaguares appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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