Volkswagen joins The Sharks as official vehicle partner
July 2026
- Volkswagen is ‘Backing the Bite’ of The Sharks in a new three-year partnership
- The partnership brings together two iconic brands united by a shared commitment to performance and excellence, inspired by the communities and supporters who drive them forward.
Durban, 14 July 2026 – Volkswagen has joined The Sharks as official vehicle partner in a new three-year partnership, uniting two of South Africa's most iconic brands through a shared commitment to performance, precision and excellence, and inspiring passionate supporters.
For 75 years, Volkswagen has engineered vehicles built to perform - combining precision, innovation and confidence on every journey. For decades, The Sharks have built a proud rugby legacy defined by resilience, determination and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Different arenas. The same mindset. As official vehicle partner, Volkswagen will support The Sharks throughout the season, from preparation and training to match days, helping to keep the club moving forward, both on and off the field.
“This partnership is about far more than providing vehicles. It brings together two brands that believe performance is earned through dedication, teamwork and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Rugby has an incredible ability to unite and inspire South Africans, and we're excited to support The Sharks, engage with supporters and create memorable experiences over the next three seasons."
As the new season kicks off, Volkswagen and The Sharks embark on a shared journey, driven by performance, united by passion and focused on bringing supporters even closer to the club and the game. While The Sharks will inspire on the field, Volkswagen will play an integral role behind the scenes, supporting the people and preparation behind every performance.
Volkswagen
Official Vehicle Partner of The Sharks.
Built to Perform. Backing the Bite.
"As Volkswagen celebrates 75 years in South Africa as 'The People's Car', our partnership with The Sharks reflects our ongoing commitment to the people, communities and sporting institutions that bring South Africans together,” said Bridget Harpur, Head of Marketing of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand.
Shaun Bryans, CEO for The Sharks added: "We are delighted to welcome Volkswagen to The Sharks family as our official vehicle partner. As one of South Africa's most trusted brands, and we're proud to have Volkswagen’s valued support backing our club, particularly from an organisation that shares our commitment to performance, innovation and passion. We look forward to building an exciting partnership together over the next three years."
Volkswagen partnership with The Sharks supplied imagery captions:
1. Volkswagen and The Sharks representatives together at the official vehicle handover at Kings Park Stadium.
From the left: Rory Duncan (Sharks), Novashni Chetty (Sharks), Bridget Harpur (VW), Stuart Daniels (VW), Phepsi Buthelezi (Sharks), Trevor Nyakane (Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Sharks), JP Pieterson (Sharks), Vinesh Ramchander (VW), Ryan Blumrick (VW), Minal Patel (Sharks) and Nick Byrne (Sharks).
2. Bridget Harpur (Head of Marketing for Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles) handing over the keys to Rory Duncan (Chief of Staff for The Sharks) at the official vehicle handover
3. 10 Volkswagen vehicles were handed over to The Sharks as part of a new three-season long partnership between the two iconic brands
4. JP Pieterson (The Sharks Head Coach) shakes hands with Ryan Blumrick (Head of Commercial Vehicles, Volkswagen) at the official vehicle handover
5. Team representatives from The Sharks, Phepsi Buthelezi, Trevor Nyakane, JP Pieterson (head coach) and Jordan Hendrikse together with a some of the Volkswagen’s handed over to The Sharks as part of the partnership
6. Volkswagen is ‘Backing the Bite’ of The Sharks Rugby Club in a new three-year partnership
7. Sharks players - Phepsi Buthelezi, Trevor Nyakane, and Jordan Hendrikse -together with a some of the Volkswagen’s handed over to The Sharks as part of the new partnership