Masotti to take Sharks to America
Today at 12:52 AM
Sharks owner Marco Masotti has revealed his plans to make the Sharks a global brand.
Masotti wants to stage pre-season matches in the USA against the likes of Toulouse, Saracens and the Stormers ahead of the 2031 World Cup, which the country will host.
The Sharks could also organise pre-season matches against Major League Rugby teams and play their first match of next season's Vodacom United Rugby Championship in the States.
"In the run-up to the 2031 World Cup tournament, I would like to see more rugby here,” Masotti told Rapport from New York, where he works as a lawyer.
Sharks administrators, including Masotti, met with their Toulouse counterparts in Durban last week ahead of the teams’ Investec Champions Cup match.
"I see the relationship with a team like Toulouse more as working together to grow our brands in America," said Masotti. "We have so much to learn from each other. Of all the club teams, Toulouse and the Sharks have the most followers on social media, with brands growing.
"Friendly matches are part of that, but we also have to constantly think about creating player pathways and opportunities."
MORE: How Sharks can reach Champions Cup playoffs
"We have a natural partnership with Saracens through some cross-ownership and friendships. We are in the early stages of bringing benefits in many areas of the business, but also thinking about player pathways and opportunities.
"If we want to move quickly, we cannot do it alone. The club game is challenged in many parts of the world. We need to work together more than we compete to take this to the next level."
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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