The foundation and success of the Cell C Sharks lies partially in the strength of its local clubs and players who compete in and around the province each season.

Unique to South Africa, in Kwazulu-Natal the KZNRU provides grants to all local clubs, assisting with the development of the game and its players.

These grants, together with the support of the KZNRU and clubs themselves, have helped to develop a number of the current Cell C Sharks players coming through the ranks of the KZN club rugby system, including the likes of Pat Lambie, Cobus Reinach, Ryan Kankowski, Fred Zeilinga and Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira.

"It is essential that the grassroots level of the game maintains a professional and competitive edge, honing talent that will go on to make up a successful provincial team. Without partners like Fidelity Security this would not be possible", said The Sharks CEO John Smit.

Jake White, Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby said, "Club Rugby is important to me. I want to go watch two local club sides playing each other and I want it to be competitive. We need to create a very strong club competition in KZN and that's why we are trying to make sure club rugby gets the backing it deserves."

Long standing Moor Cup sponsors, Fidelity Security, who have been involved in KZN Club Rugby since 2011 as title sponsors of the premier division, have increased their investment with The Sharks and KZNRU for the next three years, ensuring the future of the KZNRU.

Wahl Bartmann, ex-Springbok and Natal Captain, has voiced his enthusiasm over Fidelity Security's strong alliance with the rugby unions saying, "We are proud to be associated with the KZNRU and the Cell C Sharks, and that we can assist in building a sustainable platform that will allow for both the short term and long term development of the game in South Africa."

Wahl, together with his brothers Francois and Leon, played provincial rugby and are strong supporters of the game in South Africa. The Fidelity Security Group is Southern Africa's largest integrated security solutions provider and the industry leader in protection innovation. The group, who also sponsor local clubs Fidelity South Coast Warriors, Fidelity Reservoir Hills Rhinos, Fidelity Jaguars and Jonsson College Rovers have entrenched themselves in the future of the game in Kwazulu-Natal.

Graham Mackenzie, The President of the KZNRU added, "Fidelity Security is well known in club rugby circles. It is fantastic to see their brand on both the Cell C Sharks Super Rugby jersey as well as the Currie Cup jersey later this year. Their generous finicial contribution will play a significant role in bettering the environment for previously disadvantaged players both on and off the field. We are looking forward to continuing a great relationship with the company going forward as both preferred Security providers to the Cell C Sharks, as well as a major partner to the Cell C Sharks and KZNRU."

Left to Right Francois Louis (Deputy President KZNRU), Graham Mackenzie (President KZNRU), Steven Saad (Chairman of The Sharks (Pty) Ltd), Wahl Bartmann (CEO Fidelity Security) and Juno Fourie (Regional Manager Fidelity Security KZN)

Issued by The Sharks (Pty) Ltd on behalf of Fidelity Security Services