Meet Sharks 'Super Fan' Paul Smit

There is a common school of thought that the Sharks Rugby brand is one of the most popular worldwide.

Wherever one is in the world, you are very likely to run into a Sharks fan.

There are South African expats to be found in virtually every country today, no matter where the Sharks play and black and white flag or shirt bearing the symbol of one of the most feared predators is likely to be seen.

Even up in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, it isn't uncommon to see the Sharks sticker on motor vehicle bumpers and windscreens.

Dr Paul Smit, a lecturer at Pretoria University is proof of this. He is the Chairman of the Sharks Fan Club in the heart of Bulls country, Pretoria.

Paul, a lifelong Sharks (formerly Natal) fan, has travelled to many countries around the world and his Sharks flag and shirt has always been part of his luggage.

In fact, Paul reveals that he has a different Sharks jersey/shirt for every day of the week and it's not uncommon for his students to fear him on a Monday morning following a Sharks defeat.

Even in the academic environment in which he operates, he is not shy to wear a Sharks shirt instead of the formal or semi-formal clothing that one would commonly associate with his job.

In fact, if his flag were human, it would have accumulated a good deal of voyager miles by now and needed a frequent passport renewal.

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Share Paul's journey with us to far-flung eastern European destinations like Armenia and how he was mistaken for an Isis sympathiser brandishing his flag on Red Square in Moscow in 2014.

Armed with a mobile phone camera, he has photographed his travels and for fear of losing his memories, put together a photographic scrap book, subsequently signed by the Sharks squad, telling the story in pictures. 

Paul was born in Mpumalanga, but his love for the Sharks goes back to his primary school days in Durban.

No family wars for Paul either -- His wife is also a passionate Sharks supporter.

He has seen the best and the worst from his team, but his love for his team has never wavered. "Once a Shark always a Shark," he contends.

The Sharks' 2008 Currie Cup triumph over the Blue Bulls at Kings Park brings back fond memories.

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Why was it particularly special? - Because the previous year the Durban side were within seconds of winning the Super Rugby title for the first time when Bryan Habana spoiled the party in optional time.

Dr Paul Smit truly is a Sharks 'Super Fan'.