Schreuder assumes Sharks captaincy for Super Rugby 2019

The 28-year-old half back assumes the mantle from Ruan Botha, who skippered the side during the 2018 campaign. However, it is a seamless change for Schreuder, who captained the side to Currie Cup glory at the end of 2018. 

Schreuder will be assisted by the vastly experienced Springbok prop Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira, who was named vice-captain of the side. 

Schreuder cut a laid-back figure after a cooler than usual training session at Kings Park on Tuesday, seemingly relaxed to be continuing his leadership role in the team.   

“I had a very enjoyable stint last year in the Currie Cup, with me and Chiliboy Ralepele sharing that captaincy role. I’m very excited for the challenge, to be captain of this franchise,” Schreuder said.

“I have been in leadership roles before so it comes naturally I feel. I’m comfortable in this role and I don’t think it has added any pressure.  We’ve got a good leadership group and plenty of experience in the squad.”

Coach Rob du Preez explained that Schreuder’s selection as skipper was one that has been driven by the leadership group of the team.

“He did a fantastic job during the Currie Cup. He’s a well-respected and very experienced player. We have a very strong leadership group, there’s 12 of them, it’s a very big group. There’s strong leaders there and the captain was basically selected by the group at the end of the day,” the coach said.

Given that the Sharks have a number of experienced campaigners, Du Preez is confident that any of the players in their leadership group can assume the captaincy during the campaign.

“Anyone of those guys in the leadership can on any given day step in and be the captain on the day. If we’re going to be rotating players and Louis is on the bench, then Beast will be the captain, or Phillip (van der Walt) or Lukhanyo (Am) or Lwazi (Mvovo). We’re blessed to have that strong leadership group.” 

Having led the team to some silverware last year, Schreuder believes their Currie Cup triumph will be a positive aspect in the build up to Super Rugby.

“It’s good for a young squad like we are. We are young and we are learning, especially winning away being the underdogs, winning a fairytale Currie Cup. The boys have taken a lot of confidence and growth and taking that into Super Rugby momentum-wise is very good for us.”

Continuity is key

The Sharks will carry a lot of continuity into their 2019 campaign with no new faces joining the squad over the December break. What is more, players that were nursing injuries look set for action once the season gets underway.

This includes the likes of Coenie Oosthuizen, Lukhanyo Am, Ruan Botha, Makazole Mapimpi and Beast Mtawarira.

The only long-term concern is Jean-Luc du Preez. The burly Springbok flank picked up an adductor muscle tear while playing for English club Sale Sharks in December (groin injury) and is facing three months out.

Jean-Luc and Robert du Preez spent 3 months in the UK while Curwin Bosch had a short stint in Japan – a move which the Sharks coach was happy with.

“Unfortunately, Jean-Luc got injured but let me tell you, it has been an unreal experience for them. They’ll tell you, they had a fantastic time. They bring back new ideas which is good for us as coaches and for the players around them. They make new friends and get exposed to a different lifestyle, different coaching methods and a different voice. We mustn’t be scared to do that.”

The Sharks play their first preseason friendly on Sunday, February 3 in Cape Town against the Lions.