Super Rugby: Sharks convert Surfers Paradise into ground zero for Queensland Reds invasion

The South African Super Rugby Sharks have converted the Surfers Paradise Dolphins facilities into ground zero for their invasion of Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.

South African Super Rugby side Sharks train at Surfers Paradise Dolphins rugby club on the Gold Coast. Hyron Andrews and Curwin Bosch pictured. Picture: Stephen Tremain / tremain_focused (instagram)

The South African Super Rugby Sharks have converted the Surfers Paradise Dolphins facilities into ground zero for their invasion of Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.

The Sharks, hailing from beachside Durban in the eastern province of Natal, have set up camp in Surfers Paradise to help their players feel at home as possible before taking on the Queensland Reds.

South African Super Rugby side Sharks train at Surfers Paradise Dolphins rugby club on the Gold Coast. Hyron Andrews and Curwin Bosch pictured. Picture: Stephen Tremain / tremain_focused (instagram)

Dolphins official Rangi Joseph said the Sharks reached out to the Dolphins to use their grounds after spotting them on the way to training at the nearby PCYC.

“They got in contact with us, saying they were staying close to the grounds and wanted to use our facilities to train at,” he said.

“They loved the location, especially the view (of the Surfers Paradise skyline).

“We weren’t going to say no to a Super Rugby team.”

The Sharks completed two training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday before their final Captain’s Run session on Suncorp on Friday.

South African Super Rugby side Sharks train at Surfers Paradise Dolphins rugby club on the Gold Coast. Picture: Stephen Tremain / tremain_focused (instagram)

Joseph said the visitors were perfect guests.

“They were extremely respectful, normal, everyday people but very professional about the way they go about things,” he said.

“The thing that stood out was their team culture, singing African chants and laughing.

“We had a few of the Afrikaans community come down to say hello, it was just at the beginning of junior training so everyone went over and got photos.”

The Dolphins have already offered use of their facilities to the Sharks for future visits, including if they return to Queensland for the Super Rugby finals.

South African Super Rugby side Sharks train at Surfers Paradise Dolphins rugby club on the Gold Coast. Andre Esterhuizen pictured. Picture: Stephen Tremain / tremain_focused (instagram)