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'Absolutely kidding me': Sharks owner Masotti has got the hump

(Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

South African Sharks owner Marco Masotti has tweeted his dissatisfaction that a new Major League Rugby club is set to also call itself the Sharks. It was January 2021 when the businessman, who made his fortune on Wall Street in New York, became the controlling partner in the Durban-based team ahead of their switch from Super Rugby to the URC.

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That takeover resulted in him trolling the Gallagher Premiership’s Sale Sharks, Masotti tweeting last year: “How many shark species are there in Sale? Does not make sense. There is only one true Sharks rugby team. If Sale Sharks really wants a large fish, how about Sale Tuna? I came up with a new logo!”

Twelve months on from that pop at the English club coached by Alex Sanderson, Masotti has again taken to social media to outline his dismay that another team is set to call itself the Sharks.

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Responding to a tween from Paul Tait, a co-founder of the Americas Rugby website, about how the Miami Sharks are seeking to become the latest MLR franchise, the South African Sharks owner Masotti wrote: “Are you absolutely kidding me??? Change it! You can try but there is only one Sharks Rugby on this planet.”

In his tweet, Tait had written: “Looks like Major League Rugby in Miami with an accent. Argentine businessman Marcos Galperin, who founded Mercado Livre, is one of a group presently in the USA negotiating the next MLR franchise: Miami Sharks. Galperin played for San Andres.”

https://twitter.com/MarcoMasotti_/status/1612515150220648450

It was in an interview last July on The Big Jim Show, the podcast hosted by ex-Scotland lock Jim Hamilton, where Masotti explained why he was tempted to buy into the Durban-based Sharks. “I probably wouldn’t be at the Sharks if it wasn’t for covid,” he said. “The need for a capital infusion by rugby clubs around the world drove some new owners and different people to step in.

“Everyone was effectively saying the same thing, we need to change, we need to bring more people to the table, we need to look at issues like the global calendar and different competitions, and we need to grow in places like the United States.

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“I’m the biggest investor in the Sharks and have asked some real investors to join me in this endeavour. We got it at a good price. There is a lot of opportunity for growth. I also made a good business decision, it’s not purely romance and it’s not reckless. With the platform of Sharks playing in Europe, where the residual businesses around the sport and rugby, I will make a return on my investment and hopefully ride the wave.

“It’s a great time to get in. The snow globe has been shaken, it is going to take a little time to settle. If you are investing in a South African rugby team that is about to play in Europe, you are effectively investing in a different type of labour market with a massive talent pool and that comes with European exposure. That seemed like a great deal for me.”

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Hellhound 10 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 51 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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