Sharks decide JP's coaching future following structural overhaul
SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have reached a decision on the future of JP Pietersen after the former Springbok stepped into the head coach role on an interim basis earlier this season following John Plumtree’s departure.
Following a comprehensive and objective review and restructuring of their high-performance system, the Sharks have confirmed a series of strategic appointments.
Following a successful spell in an interim capacity, Pietersen has been appointed as permanent Head Coach of the Sharks with immediate effect.
Confirming the recent rumours, the Sharks also announced that former Griquas mentor Scott Mathie will join as attack coach from Edinburgh next season.
Neil Powell has been appointed head of Junior Rugby, with responsibility for managing all the junior departments and staff, including participation in the Under-20 Cup, the Sharks academy, and Sharks Women’s Rugby.
The club also confirmed the appointment of Rory Duncan, effective June 2026, to support its long-term growth ambitions.
Duncan previously served as CEO of the Cheetahs, where he led the organisation through a period of structural change while strengthening operational resilience and commercial foundations.
In his new role, Duncan will focus on strategic coordination, governance alignment, and execution across all aspects of the business.
Pietersen said the appointment was a deeply personal moment and one he has accepted with a clear sense of responsibility and purpose.
“This jersey has shaped who I am. The Sharks have given me everything in my career, so to be entrusted with leading this team is something I do not take lightly. I am incredibly proud, but more than that, I am hungry to keep pushing this group forward”.
Shaun Bryans, Chief Executive Officer, added: “JP’s appointment is a natural progression and a decision we are extremely confident in.
“He has proven that he is the right man for the job, building on the strong foundations laid down by his predecessor.
“This is the start of a new and exciting era of Sharks rugby, founded on mutual respect, passion and pride in what this jersey has meant over the years and what it will continue to stand for.
“JP has brought a renewed focus on clarity, accountability and strong alignment within the playing group.
“Performance matters, and the improvement we have seen over the past two months is measurable and tangible.
“More importantly, he understands the standards and identity of this organisation. This appointment provides stability while allowing us to continue building a clear and consistent performance model.”
On Mathie’s appointment, Bryans added: “Scott strengthens our technical capability and adds further depth to our coaching group. We are focused on building a balanced, modern coaching structure that competes consistently at URC level.
“Having grown up in Durban, Scott has a deep connection to Durban and the Sharks, where he has over 40 caps as a player. His international experience in the United States and Europe will further strengthen our URC coaching line-up.
Dave Williams will assume the newly created General Manager role, with accountability for the strategic direction and operational oversight of all high-performance functions servicing Senior and Junior Rugby, ensuring alignment across recruitment and player pathway structures to support the long-term competitiveness of the Sharks.
