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5d ago

Sharks Confirm Plumtree Exit as Pietersen Leads Overhauled High-Performance Setup

The overhaul prioritizes aligned pathways with quicker promotion of homegrown talent.

NEWPORT, SOUTH WALES - OCTOBER 03: Sharks head coach, John Plumtree during the United Rugby Championship match between Dragons and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Rodney Parade on October 03, 2025 in Newport, South Wales. (Photo by Kian Abdullah/Gallo Images)
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 12: Kai Pratt of Hollywoodbets Sharks during the Hollywoodbets Sharks training session at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on March 12, 2026 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)

Overview

  • CEO Shaun Bryans said there is no role for John Plumtree in the redesigned structure, reversing December’s plan to keep him in a mentoring capacity.
  • JP Pietersen, confirmed as permanent head coach in January, continues to steer the reset after replacing Plumtree in December.
  • The Sharks detailed new appointments: Scott Mathie as attack coach from Edinburgh next season, Dave Williams as general manager, Neil Powell as Head of Junior Rugby, Rory Duncan as Chief of Staff from June 2026, and Michael Horak to run recruiting and scouting.
  • Recruitment will shift toward earlier promotion of youth with expanded scouting, and Pietersen said youngsters will be tested in pressure fixtures such as Saturday’s URC match against Munster.
  • Experience remains part of the blend, with Springboks Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch signing extensions, after a URC start last year that left the side 14th after six rounds.