Leinster Rugby coach Leo Cullen is relying on the expertise of former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber as they prepare to face a Sharks team boasting a wealth of South African international talent.

Sportswire has learned that FNB is set to replace MTN as the new headline sponsor of the Springboks.

The Sharks delivered a lackluster performance but managed to secure a narrow 35-34 victory against a determined Zebre Parma in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.

Hollywoodbets Sharks coach John Plumtree has expressed his disappointment at the departure of prop Ntuthuko Mchunu at the end of the season.

The Hollywoodbets Sharks, playing in the sweltering heat of Kings Park Stadium in Durban, secured the SA Shield by defeating the Emirates Lions 25-22 on Saturday, finishing atop the South African standings.

Hollywoodbets Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse says his family was immensely proud when he and his brother Jaden were selected to play together in the half-back positions for the Springboks against Wales during the Autumn Nations Series in November.

MTN, one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications operators, with a stated vision to “lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers,” is rumored to be considering not renewing its headline sponsorship contract with the Rugby World Cup champion Springboks when it expires this year. Sources within Sportswire have indicated that MTN,

The Springboks face a challenging end-of-year tour in Europe as part of the Autumn Nations Series, with tough matches against France and Ireland.

Former England World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio described Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus as “naughty,” adding that the “sad reality is that no one in the world is challenging him.”