Sharks claim historic Challenge Cup semi with Edinburgh win

PARIS - The Sharks became the first South African side to reach a European club rugby semi-final by beating Edinburgh 36-30 on Saturday.

Springboks Lukhanyo Am and Bongi Mbonambi as well as flanker James Venter crossed to set up a last-four game in the second-tier Challenge Cup with Clermont on the weekend of May 3-5.

The French side, three-time winners, advanced to the next round by hammering Ulster 53-14 thanks to a double from ex-New Zealand back-rower Pita-Gus Sowakula.

On Friday, Gloucester edged the Ospreys 23-13 to set-up a semi with Treviso or Connacht, who meet on Sunday in Italy.

South African teams have competed in the tournaments organised by European Professional Club Rugby since last season.