Former Springbok captain Warren Whiteley will be taking over the defensive duties for the Cell C Sharks after the side released defence coach John McFarland from his contract.
Whiteley, who left the Lions last year and joined the Sharks as their lineout coach, will take over the duties while the side waits for Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell to join them. Powell will make the move to Durban after this year’s World Cup Sevens tournament when he ends his time with the Blitzboks.
McFarland asked to be released from his short-term contract to join former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer at the Houston Sabercats in the American Major Rugby League, where Meyer has been appointed Director of Rugby.
McFarland, who was the Boks defence coach under Meyer, will join up with former Bulls veteran Pote Human, who has joined Meyer as assistant coach.
The Sabercats have also signed a bunch of South Africans to play in America, including veteran Willie Britz, former Junior Springbok flyhalf Dewald Coetzer, former Lions halfback Dillon Smit and the promising former Grey College winger Marcell Muller.