Overview
- After an interim stint, JP Pietersen is appointed permanent Sharks head coach following a formal high-performance review.
- Scott Mathie will join the Sharks from Edinburgh next season as attack coach, bringing MLR title-winning experience with the New England Free Jacks and prior playing ties to Durban.
- Dave Williams moves into a newly created General Manager role overseeing high performance across senior and junior rugby, with Neil Powell named head of junior rugby.
- The Sharks unveiled a revised performance structure that includes departments such as Data, AI & Analytics and the new Technique & Skills and Player Affairs & Culture units, with Rory Duncan set to join in an executive capacity from June 2026.
- Pietersen’s confirmation follows an on-field uptick — five wins in seven and a rise from 14th to ninth in the URC — while Edinburgh continues a wider reassessment of coaching, medical and S&C staff.