Morgan Piek

Bloemfontein – Sharks coach John Plumtree’s contract at the Durban based team has not been renewed. This comes after months of speculation as to whether or not the New Zealanders career in Durban may be at an end.

The Sharks called for an urgent press conference this morning to announce that Plumtrees' reign would come to an end at the end of the current season. 

In another development at the Sharks, former Free State and Springbok centre Brendan Venter has been appointed as their new Director of Rugby.

Venter who is currently with the BabyBoks in France is familiar with this role as he was also the Director of Rugby at Saracens in England.

Venter was not immediately available for comment. Venter takes over at the Sharks as from August.

The immediate future of current Sharks Director of Rugby Rudolf Straeuli is unknown.

World Cup winning former Springbok captain who has taken over from Brian van Rooyen as the CEO of Sharks Rugby said having to axe John Plumtree is one of the hardest things ever had to do.

New Zealander Plumtree has been in charge of the Durban franchise since 2008, guiding the team to two Currie Cup titles and a Super Rugby Final.

At this time the Sharks are yet to announce who Plumtree’s successor may be, however former Springbok coach Nick Mallet has been linked with the job. Although Mallet has denied being linked to the Sharks jobs, sources in Durban still say otherwise.