Former Bok assistant among new Sharks coaches
NEWS: The Sharks have announced a new coaching structure ahead of their participation in the United Rugby Championship later this year.
The coaching unit will be spearheaded by head coach Sean Everitt who recently committed his long-term future to the Sharks by signing a contract extension.
His team will be bolstered by the inclusion of the highly-rated Irish-born Noel McNamara, appointed as the attack coach.
The hugely experienced John McFarland, who is a former Springbok assistant coach, will head up the team’s defence until the arrival of Springbok Sevens head coach Neil Powell.
Powell will join the Sharks after the Sevens World Cup in 2022.
McFarland was the Boks’ defence coach between 2012 and 2015.
He also had a successful spell with the Bulls. He helped the Pretoria side win three Super Rugby titles (2007, 2009 and 2010).
Commenting on the coaching appointments, Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee said: “We are pleased to have secured the expertise of these experienced coaches who not only have great coaching pedigrees, but are good people, who will fit seamlessly into our culture here at the Sharks.
“The result of the Rainbow Cup Final played in Treviso, is a timely warning that South African rugby cannot adopt a conservative outlook, and with this in mind it is exciting to welcome these coaches to our Sharks coaching team, as they will impart their knowledge of the northern hemisphere conditions and style of play, as we prepare for our participation in a new tournament.
“We have identified areas of our game that we want to improve in and will be announcing further coaching appointments in the coming weeks.
“We are confident that we’ve assembled a high-level technical team, who will support our head coach in the effective execution of our playing DNA, and which reaffirms our commitment of creating a winning mindset across all spheres of our business.”
Etienne Fynn (forwards) and Phiwe Nomlomo (skills) will retain their coaching roles in the senior team set-up, whilst Brent Janse van Rensburg has requested an early exit from his contract due to family reasons.
