'No score to settle' in Sharks' second stint - John Plumtree

Plumtree guided the Durban franchise to Currie Cup glory in 2008 and 2010 following a 12-year drought, as well as the Super Rugby final in 2012, before his sacking by then Chief Executive and former Springbok captain John Smit.

The experienced mentor, who will begin his second spell on July 1, allowing Neil Powell to return to his post as director of rugby, replaces Sean Everitt, who was fired late in 2022.

'Plum', however, just wants to showcase his coaching ability and bring stability to the club he played for in the late 80s and 90s. 

"I don't think I've got a score to settle, I would say it's more around really enjoying what I do," said Plumtree.

"I've been coaching for a long time now, and I still want to win – I want to win trophies and I can't think of a better place to do it than back in Durban.

"I think the Sharks have gone through a fair bit of unsettlement, since I've left, and it would be nice to settle things down again and create an environment that the players love to come to work in."

Since leaving the Sharks, Plumtree has coached the Hurricanes in Super Rugby before joining Ian Foster's All Blacks backroom team for just over two years. After the three-time World Champions suffered a string of losses, including a historic series loss to Ireland, he and backs coach Brad Mooar were shown the door.

But, insists his return to Durban will once again be defined by their winning style of rugby.
 

"There's plenty of talent here. My tenure with the Sharks was good for all, we played good rugby to watch and along with that came some success. And that's where I'd like to take this team. I'd like them to be able to enjoy what they are doing out there, believe in what they are doing out there and results will look after themselves.

"I loved my time here, and I loved coaching the team and I think that would be the same."