Former Springbok centre Brendan Venter will take up the position of Director of Rugby just as soon as he concludes his business with the Baby Bokke at the under-20 Junior World Champs in France.
This is the second major appointment after John Smit replaced Brian van Zyl as CEO.
Current coach John Plumtree’s contract will not be renewed and his position was already offered to Nick Mallett, who in line with the decision he made many years ago, never to coach in SA ever again, said: “No thank you!”
So there are sweeping changes underway at the Shark Tank which begs the question: “What about Straueli?” Does he have a future with the Sharks?
It’s probably the last thing on the Sharks’ minds right now but there are bound to be effects of these new appointments and the changes still to come on KZN schoolboy rugby down the line. New personnel with fresh new ideas could potentially pave the way for new relationships and new approaches.
The Sharks Academy and the union’s junior programme policy is possibly another area that might be looked at with the view of making adjustments.
Interesting times ahead.
By the way Venter has a son in primary school.
personally think we are going backwards with his appointment , , i agree that Plumtree might need to be replaced , but teh question would be why? Henry stayed on for years and produced results, i think in SA we rush to change too much too often
We must give John a fair chance as chief in this Shark confusion for now. John Plumtree did good but his time is up. john knows Brendan well and he obviously fits into his long term plan on what he wants to do. This has been a proud competitive union for a long time with a huge supporter base, they will bounce back,…but the choice of coach will be a critical pillar in his plan.
Looks like quite a big mess developing at the Shark Tank
@GreenBlooded: There was an article in the latest SA Rugby – unfortunately I don’t have a link (I’ve read the hard copy) to the article but in it, a lot of negative things were said about Brian Van Zyl. It seems he is just as popular as Rob Wagner in the Western Province !!
“Classic” interview by Brendan. He has been round the block in rugby in SA a few times. John is surrounding himself with strong management,…the only way to be successfull. In my opinion ” Jake White” is the right coach to turn the Sharks around,..he has just got that something magic to turn teams around that are struggling,…and his a South African
@TheGoose: And now Brian van Zyl comes out and says he wanted Plum to stay. I think the next appointment John Smit makes should be a decent medial liason officer. Doesn’t seem like the ducks are in a row down at Kings Park. What a circus in the media this week!!
@GreenBlooded: Plum was officially told by John Smit on the side of the field after practice where players and staff could see it happening. Appalling man management by Smit. That is certainly not how to treat the Coach of the Year and long-time devotee to the Sharks.
@Beet for “Commercial Manager”?
Not a great start to John Smit’s reign at King’s Park. What a circus!! It must have been gut-wrenching for Plumtree to find out in the media that he got sacked. Nick Mallet should learn to STFU on matters that are clearly confidential.
@Pedantic: Well said!!! Focus on the achievements and use the detractors comments to improve the school where relevant.
@Queenian: BOG will probably know most of the players quite well – be like a homecoming
Good move this looks like they getting there house sorted out now they can appoint Bog as there coach.
Johnny Boy is bedrywig. By the way, ouens gaan google Brendon op You Tube onder sy naam en funny interview. Gedoen een week na Britte hom k#k gegee het oor sy manier van onderhoude voer. Sarkasties en classic!
Just be careful of a disgruntled ex player looking to settle scores? Always said a youngster must earn his stripes. This seems to be like the boy of 14 warning his dad about who is going to pick the old age home for the dad.
@Grasshopper: Ignore the bad press mate … look at what the school has achieved in a short period of time and appreciate that. Great results don’t come easy and without their fair share of controversy!
Liking a clean out with fresh ideas, wish that happened at Glenwood to take away all the negative sentiment. I would rather lose a few games than have all the bad press…
@BOG:
A Grey satellite campus in Durban might help ?
Good for the Sharks.
@PaarlBok: Laaitie just miss out on WP CW u13, will play at Sasolburg, flyhalf.
Daniels is seker nie happy oor die nie.
His son is an excellent hockey player.