Plumtree returns to Sharks tank
Durban - The Sharks are out to prove that they mean business in next year's Super 14 rugby series.
In a new move towards strengthening the management team, former Sharks flank John Plumtree will be joining the side from November for a two year period as assistant coach, replacing current forwards' coach Theo Oosthuizen.
Owing to commitments, Oosthuizen is unable to extend his contract with the Sharks. His input will be missed as he has been a great contributor to the Sharks' cause. His work with the forwards has yielded fantastic results, both in the Super 14 and Currie Cup series.
As a player, Plumtree represented Hawke's Bay and Taranaki in New Zealand, before moving to South Africa, playing for the Sharks in 80 matches from 1988 to 1997, including winning two Currie Cup medals, in 1990 and again in 1996.
He is currently coaching the Wellington Lions in the New Zealand Cup.
Malcolm Holmes, the Wellington Rugby CEO, said: "We're very disappointed to be losing John, but we fully understand the reasons why he has decided to make this move. He has very strong family and personal links with Durban and wore the Natal jersey for six seasons.
After retiring, he coached Swansea with great success after spending five years with the Welsh side. At the end of 2001, he returned to the country of his birth, New Zealand, spending his first months back as new All Black coach John Mitchell's video analyst before spending four years with Wellington from 2002-2006, taking the Lions to the NPC final in 2003 and 2004, losing to Auckland and Canterbury respectively.
Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl added that, "The Sharks are thrilled to welcome John back to Durban. As a player he made a huge contribution in his time with us, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as a coach, having proved himself variously in Wales and New Zealand. We look forward to his input as assistant coach to Dick Muir."
News source: www.news24.co.za
Posted by: www.SouthAfrica-CarHire.com
