Try GOLD - Free
Sharks seek statement performance in Champions Cup opener against Toulouse
The Mercury
|December 05, 2025
THE Sharks step into one of the toughest arenas in European rugby on Sunday when they face French giants Toulouse in their opening Investec Champions Cup clash in Toulouse, and loose-forward Nick Hatton says the squad has arrived in France determined to produce a timely response to their poor early-season form in the URC.
Sharks loose-forward Nick Hatton says they're fighting as hard as to can to turn their season around, and hopes Sunday's Champions Cup clash against French giants Toulouse will be a watershed moment. | BackpagePix
(BackpagePix)
The Durban side have endured a frustrating start to their URC campaign, with last week’s 44-17 defeat away to Connacht marking their fourth loss in six matches. But Hatton says the mood in the camp has lifted since arriving in the south of France, where the conditions and change of environment have offered a timely chance to reset.
"I think the conditions in Toulouse this week have been really nice," Hatton said.
"It’s been quite fresh outside, but there’s been some lovely sunshine, which has been really nice to train in. The mood in the camp has been good."
This story is from the December 05, 2025 edition of The Mercury.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Mercury
The Mercury
Equites reports strong financial growth and growing South Africa development pipeline
EQUITES Property Fund reported a sturdy 3.6% rise in portfolio value in 2025 as it pivots to its SA assets in a market where the Middle East conflict is likely to boost already strong demand for state-of-the-art distribution and logistics centres.
2 mins
May 15, 2026
The Mercury
A guide to financial independence
FOR many South Africans, seeing their salary arrive in their bank accounts is accompanied by a sense of relief, even if only for a moment; there are funds to cover their home loan, school fees, car repayments, medical aid, and other insurance premiums while navigating the rising cost of groceries.
2 mins
May 15, 2026
The Mercury
Supreme Court of Appeal reduces rapist's life sentence to 15 years
A CONVICTED rapist who was serving a life sentence has received a lifeline from the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) after his sentence was reduced to 15 years.
2 mins
May 15, 2026
The Mercury
Farmers warn of mounting financial pressure as Grain SA pushes for urgent support measures
SOUTH Africa's grain producers are facing mounting financial strain as soaring input costs, weak commodity prices and growing debt pressures squeeze profitability across the agricultural sector.
2 mins
May 15, 2026
The Mercury
Crown is within Pirates' reach
THIS weekend, all eyes will be on Orlando Pirates, and for good reason, as they stand to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ Premiership dominance.
1 mins
May 15, 2026
The Mercury
Navigating a new international order
Trump-Xi meeting significance goes beyond bilateral negotiations
3 mins
May 15, 2026
The Mercury
Edwin Sodi, business partner ordered to pay back R40 million over failed prison project
CONTROVERSIAL fraud and corruption-accused businessman Edwin Sodi and his partner Jeophrey Ramahlaleroa must return nearly R40 million to Hollard Insurance following a botched R283m project to upgrade and build accommodation at a Free State prison.
2 mins
May 15, 2026
The Mercury
Dobson: We blew it last week, but must put it right against Cardiff
THE Stormers have made peace with the fact that they are unlikely to overtake Glasgow at the top of the United Rugby Championship as the competition enters its final round this weekend.
2 mins
May 15, 2026
The Mercury
A playbook for the 2026 local government elections
WHEN President Cyril Ramaphosa stood before an audience in Ekurhuleni on April 30 and announced that South Africa would go to the polls on November 4, he said something every political party should tattoo on its campaign wall: “The race has started, and people will do the best they can”
5 mins
May 15, 2026
The Mercury
EFF, MK Party walk out of Parliament to protest over Ramaphosa motion
THE parties organised under the Progressive Alliance banner, including the MK Party and EFF, yesterday walked out of the sitting of the National Assembly when Speaker Thoko Didiza refused their request to debate the motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
3 mins
May 15, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
