The Cell C Sharks signing spree continues with the financial backing of MVM Holdings. One may have thought Etzebeth was the precipice of the Sharks efforts to turn Kings Park into a fortress, but their engine room got a whole lot stronger with the signing of England and Saracens lock, Maro Itoje. The greatest coup yet? possibly.
The Sharks connections with Roc Nations Sport, who manage Itoje, has truly paid dividends today, as on the 1st of April 2022, they pulled off a magic trick in luring the prodigious England player from his home country, merely a year out from the World Cup, with him giving up both eligibility for the National side and a hefty pay check in pounds. The rugby world will finally get to see what it deserves, two of the greatest locks ever, donning the black and white of the Sharks.
The move comes after Eddie Jones' comments surrounding Maro's leadership abilities within the England set up and his discontent with his sides poor showing in this years Guinness 6 Nations. At the age of only 27, Itoje is hopeful of a Springbok call up in 2024 under the changed World Rugby's eligibility laws, which would allow for such a change of allegiance. The player citing the fact that he would actually like to win a World Cup in his career as the biggest motivating factor behind the change.
Itoje was 1st spotted in Durban over the weekend when he attended a braai with Springbok legends Beast Mtawarira and Siya Kolisi, photos of which have been doing the rounds on social media. It can't be doubted that these players played a massive role in luring the Englishman to Durban, a feat they have already achieved with some of the clubs other signings too.
All in all, we hope you enjoyed this April fools joke, as one can but dream of Itoje gracing the fields in SA at this stage. Should it ever miraculously happen, well then, you heard it here first.
Happy April fool's day!