Sharks announce return of John Plumtree as head coach

Plumtree will be supported by the experienced Dave Williams who also returns as an assistant coach.

Powell, who took over the reins as head coach late last year following the exit of Sean Everitt, reverts to his Director of Rugby role as Plumtree assumes control of the senior team starting 1 July 2023.

Plumtree's coaching career in Durban began in 2007 when he was assistant to Dick Muir. The Sharks made it all the way to the Super Rugby final that year before narrowly losing to the Bulls.

The native New Zealander then took over the reins as head coach between 2008 and 2012. Highlights of his tenure included winning Currie Cup titles in 2008 and 2010 and taking the Sharks to another Super Rugby final in 2012.

But Plumtree's history with the Sharks dates back even further than that. As a player under the late Ian McIntosh, he won Currie Cup titles in the historic 1990 final, and again in 1996. He represented Natal 80 times in all as a tough, mobile flank between 1988 and 1997.

Plumtree is highly regarded in his native New Zealand and abroad, boasting an impressive coaching record, having won titles in Wales, South Africa and New Zealand and was a candidate for the All Black apex role as head coach after his role as assistant coach to Ian Foster between 2020 and 2022.

"For us it's the start of a new era getting Plum to head up the senior coaching structures with Dave Williams coming in as an assistant coach," said Powell in confirming the appointment.

"This is an exciting time and a great opportunity to welcome back two vastly experienced coaches that understand our culture, the environment and know what it takes to wear this jersey.

"Plum is an experienced and astute coach that has coached at the highest level. We are delighted to have him return to The Sharks set-up and lead our senior team. I am sure he is looking forward to hitting the ground running in July, as we prepare for the new season ahead."

Plumtree added: "Durban has always been my home away from home for many years and I have the fondest memories of my time here both as a player and a coach. I look forward returning to The Sharks set-up and working with a talented group of players.

"The Sharks are a proud global brand and naturally everyone associated with the brand wants results. Excellence is a non-negotiable and I am fully committed to doing everything I can to achieve our objectives and make our fans proud."

Powell added: "We have a long pre-season ahead of us and this is the ideal opportunity for us to plan, discuss the way forward and identify what we want to achieve as a team for next season and beyond."

Plumtree's first job will be to improve results with a senior team brimming with Springbok talent like Eben Etzebeth, Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche, and rising stars like Grant Williams and Vincent Tshituka. 

While the Sharks are still alive in the United Rugby Championship, they face an uphill battle after qualifying in the eighth and final spot. They also ended the season in disappointing fashion with a draw against Munster at Kings Park that cost them their Heineken Champions Cup spot for next year.