By Craig Lewis
Former Sharks and Springbok scrumhalf Craig Davidson has joined an exclusive group of players from the coastal franchise to be honoured with the Freedom of the Park Award.
Receiving the award for his contribution to Sharks rugby, which saw him earn 109 caps for the franchise, Davidson said: "This award means a lot to me and to be honoured in the same way as guys like Butch (James) and John (Smit) who I played with is awesome. Even though I am not playing anymore, I made lifelong friends with my team-mates and will always treasure my playing days."
Besides both James and Smit, the likes of Wayne Fyvie, John Slade and Gary Teichmann have also received the Freedom of the Park Award, which was first introduced in 1912.
Davidson made his debut for the Sharks in the 1999 Currie Cup competition and a year later played in the Super 12.
He retired from rugby after the 2006 Super 14 tournament having played 56 Super Rugby matches and 53 Currie Cup games.
The nuggety scrumhalf also played in five Tests for the Springboks, but his career was cut short with the recurrence of serious injuries.
"I had a good run which lasted a long time, but in the past two or three years I took a lot of knocks which was unfortunate, but that's how it goes," explained Davidson.
"I would have liked to play a few more seasons but it was great while it lasted and I'm very grateful I was given the opportunity to play as long as I did," he added.
Davidson attended Northwood School before going on to play for Crusaders Rugby Club.