We#d like to take the opportunity to wish two of our favourite up-and-coming young Sharks players many happy returns, as they celebrate their birthdays today.
First up is Welkom’s favourite son, big Jan Andre Marais, whose name is such a mouthful that most just omit the repeated syllable and call him “Jandre”! The 118kg second rower has come up through the ranks with all the right steps along the way – including representing South Africa at under 20 level in 2009 – and was rewarded with six appearances for the Sharks in Super Rugby this year, to go along with the ten Currie Cup caps he gained in 2011. Despite it feeling as though Jandre has been around forever, the loyal servant and veteran of no fewer than four Sharks XV Vodacom Cup campaigns is just 23 years old today.
Veels geluk, liewe Jandre! Baie lekker verjaar vandaag en alle voorspoed vir die jaar wat voorlê!
Also celebrating today is the man with the biggest guns in Durban, our very own Sibusiso “Hosepipe” Sithole. Sbura is another who made his Currie Cup debut last year after a distinguished junior career. After representing South Africa at both Schools and Under 20 level, the former Queens head boy went on to earn senior colours on the international Sevens circuit before making his first senior appearance in the black and white. Capped 12 times in the Currie Cup last year, Sbu scored 3 tries during the season including a memorable one against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein; he has followed that up in 2012 by crossing 6 times for the Sharks XV to emerge as their top try scorer for the season, just one short of the overall Vodacom Cup record this season.
A year younger than Jandre, Sbura is 22 today. Imini emnandi kuwe, young man!

I hope we can see more of “hosepipe” in the near future. What speed! Where do we play him? Must be on the bench. Congrats to both of you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday, Boys!
TDS was the name he went by at Queen’s,Top Dog Sbura,happy birthday to the big guy,also to Jan-Andre hope the big guy also enjoys it
Happy birthday chaps, train hard.
Would love to see Sbura on the bench for super Rugby in 2013.
Now that Frans is back it might be a bit harder. Bosman sadly looks the player to have to leave the Union unless he joins MJ in Vodacom Cup should
Happy birthday boys! Enjoy!
Happy birthday gents.