Ex-Springbok to step in at Sharks as John Plumtree departure fast-tracked
The Sharks boss John Plumtree (left) will leave his post this weekend, with JP Pieterson (right) stepping into the role for the rest of the season
The Sharks have confirmed head coach John Plumtree will depart the club after this weekend’s Investec Champions Cup clash against Toulouse.
Pressure has been mounting on the already outgoing head coach, who was scheduled to leave his current post at the end of the season to take up more of an advisory role within the club’s staff, following a tough start to the season. At the time of writing, the Bok-laden Sharks sit 14th in the United Rugby Championship (URC) table, with just one win and one draw from their opening six league games.
That run of form was put under a harsh spotlight last weekend, with the Durbanites losing 44-17 to Irish outfit Connacht, a defeat which has seen them fall even further behind fellow South African sides the Bulls, Lions and table-topping Stormers in the process.
‘I have always been, and will always remain, a Sharks man through and through’
It seems that defeat has also brought about the fast-tracking of Plumtree’s exit as head coach, with him now stepping away at the end of their Investec Champions Cup clash against Toulouse this weekend.
“This decision was not taken lightly,” Plumtree said. “I have always been, and will always remain, a Sharks man through and through.
“My commitment to the jersey has been unwavering across my many years of service to the franchise.”
Sharks CEO, Shaun Bryans, added: “This decision taken by Plum has been made in the best interests of The Sharks, with the long-term success and stability of the team at heart.
“The Sharks accept his decision with respect and gratitude, and we extend our sincere thanks for his contribution, leadership, and deep care for the badge.
“Plum has played an important role in guiding our squad through a challenging and evolving period, and his influence has been invaluable.”
Bryans also confirmed he will remain with the club’s coaching group, with the role yet to be fully decided.
“He will remain part of our high-performance system, and will continue to contribute in a capacity that is still being finalised.”
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In the meantime, current assistant coach and ex-Springbok winger JP Pietersen will take the reins as head coach for the rest of the season.
“The Sharks have shaped my entire rugby life and stepping into this role is both an honour and a responsibility I hold with deep respect,” he said.
“Plum has given so much to this union and to me personally, and we are all grateful for his leadership and the standards he has set. My focus now is to provide stability, clarity and to help this team express the best of who we are.
“We have a united group, a proud jersey and a community that believes in us, and I’m fully committed to guiding the boys through this transition period with energy and purpose.”
The Sharks have also confirmed they have begun their search for their next permanent head coach, who will take up the post at the start of next season.