Bold new move: Sharks to host free Currie Cup matches in KZN communities

As part of a wider campaign to grow the game and connect more deeply with fans, the franchise announced that fixtures against the Cheetahs and Boland Kavaliers will be played at community venues.

The Sharks will face the Cheetahs on Friday, August 9, at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, a township just outside Durban. Later in the month, they will take on Boland on Friday, August 30, at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.

Entry to both community matches will be free, opening the doors for local supporters to attend and be part of the matchday atmosphere.

"These matches are a celebration of the incredible spirit and passion found in our communities," the franchise said in a statement. "We're excited to see local fans come out in numbers to engage with our players, experience our brand, and show the strength and camaraderie of our #WarriorNation."

The other two Currie Cup home matches this season will still be played at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

The move reflects the union's aim to expand its presence beyond its usual venues by staging matches in areas that rarely host top-level rugby.

Further details around the community fixtures, including ticketing and matchday activities, will be released soon.