Gary Gold has announced Patrick Lambie as the Sharks Super Rugby captain for 2016, with another home grown hero, loose forward Marcell Coetzee, named as vice captain.
According to a Sharks press release, Gold selected Lambie because “[his] records and performances over the years speak volumes about the calibre of player he is. He is a natural born leader, who has shown on numerous occasions that he possesses all of the qualities needed to be a great captain, especially captaining a team he has supported all his life.
“Both Pat and I are aligned with our vision to take the Cell C Sharks forward and I respect and admire his commitment to Sharks rugby, he has my full support and backing.”
“Pat has earned the respect of his fellow players and management alike and he’s a tough competitor that leads by example. I have no doubt that his presence and commitment shown on the field will inspire and motivate the players around him.”
Commenting on Coetzee’s selection as understudy, Gold added “Marcell’s tenacity and fighting spirit will compliment Pat’s captaincy approach and he will fit into the captaincy role with ease when called upon, in the absence of Pat.”
A huge round of congratulations to both players, Natal boys both born and bred, from different walks of life whose respective paths to Sharks and Springbok glory have been rather different. Both epitomising the standard of play and behaviour on which we expect the “new Sharks” to be built, I cannot think of two more fitting appointments.
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Great, great choices!!!
could not be more stoked about this.
Pat was always going to be the captain. I think Marcell is a truly inspired choice as deputy.
Two Natal born captains, The Hound is going to be delighted 😉
Very sensible and logical decision this. Must be incorrect though as Sharks management dont make good decisions 😉 Im waiting for the corrected press release where Etienne Oosthuizen is named as captain with Wandile Mjekevu as Vice…
Superb choices. Congrats to both.
Excellent!
Brilliant!! My day is made! Great decisions and SUPER happy for both. 2016 is our year.. I can just feel it in my gut.
@SheldonK (Comment 4) : LOL, don’t come and jinx this now! 😆
I approve 😛
Do we have any confirmation on when the players in Japan will join up with the Sharks? Marcell is still in Japan.
@Another Nick (Comment 8) : hahahaha
Fantastic news, so glad we have chosen our leaders from the guys who always look like they are putting their heart and soul into every game.
Both are great choices
Awe-freakin’-some!
Best news this year!
Go Pat!
Hear hear!!
Great news!!!!!!!! Congrats to both!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant news!
Some just reward for the loyalty of these guys – especially Lambie, a guy clearly not planning on going anywhere.
Very happy with this. Great also to have two young, yet already very experienced players as captains.
Great stuff Pat. And Marcell too. 2 inspirational players, well deserved !!
Must say Gold and Co have been making many good moves of late.
Hey look…everyone’s happy about something! After a really tough day…this news – and beer – have made it better!
Congrats to Pat and Marcell!
Been saying for sometime that Pat should be captain, also stoked for Marcel, Sharks moving in the right direction.
GREAT CHOICE! I’M STOKED!
@coolfusion (Comment 23) : I think the good choices started when Robert Du Preez arrived.
Just a quick question. Is Mtembu still injured? If not, how will this affect the youngster who was Currie Cup captain just last season?
@Gold_Must_Go (Comment 29) : He is semi fit from what i understand. He has been injured for a very long time…he could never be a captain option until he has gotten himself fit and in the team again. He has picked up a lot of niggling injuries in recent years so his full focus must be on getting fit and playing.
@pastorshark (Comment 24) : hahaha…and beer 🙂
This is also a good way of keeping these two awesome players at the Sharks.
@pastorshark (Comment 24) : and the slap and tickle cricket wasnt bad either – nailbiter, and then Bayern topped it off with another pretty good performance.
Congrats to Pat and Marcell, may you tenureships be long, successful, happy and injury free.