Sharks dump long-serving coach
· The South African
Earlier this year it was confirmed that former Sharks and Springbok legend JP Pietersen had been officially appointed permanent head coach after a successful spell in an interim capacity.
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It marked the end of John Plumtree’s second – and less successful – tenure at the Sharks, where he also enjoyed an illustrious playing career.
Along with Pietersen’s permanent appointment, various restructuring plans were announced by the Sharks, but Plumtree was expected to “remain part of the high-performance system”.
Change of plans from the Sharks
Quite abruptly, it has now been confirmed by Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans that Plumtree would be let go.
“He came into the organisation at a difficult time for the Sharks and really has been hugely helpful in almost affecting a turnaround. I think we’ve gotten to the point now where we are very much focused on building for the future, so there isn’t really a role for John in the structure.
“Plum is a wonderful coach and has done a great job here at the Sharks, but when you move into a new era, it’s best that you move into a new era,” Bryans added, as quoted by SARugbymag.co.za.
What other changes are underway in Durban
Scott Mathie will join the team as attack coach from Edinburgh Rugby next season. Dave Williams will assume the newly created general manager role, with accountability for the strategic direction and operational oversight of all High Performance functions servicing senior and junior rugby.
Former Blitzboks coach Neil Powell has been appointed Head of Junior Rugby, with responsibility for managing all the junior rugby departments and staff, including participation in the Under 20 Cup, the Sharks Academy and Sharks Women’s Rugby.
Finally, Rory Duncan has been appointed Chief of Staff from June 2026 to support the Durban-based team’s long-term ambitions.
The Sharks are next in action on Saturday when they take on Munster in the URC.