Sharks revamp coaching group in preparation for new challenge

The Cell C Sharks have decided to be pro-active in their approach to the new challenge that is the move to the northern hemisphere United Rugby Championship competition by making a major revamp to their coaching group.

Former Springbok assistant coach John McFarland will return to top level coaching in South Africa after his stint at Stade Francais followed by a period helping out at Tukkies to serve as defence coach until current Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell joins the group following next year’s Sevens Rugby World Cup in Cape Town.

Also joining head coach Sean Everitt’s coaching group with immediate effect will be Noel McNamara, an Irish-born coach who is highly regarded in the industry and will head up the attack. Brent Janse van Rensburg, who has been a senior assistant coach at the Sharks since leaving Griquas at the end of 2019, where he was head coach, has asked for an early release from his contract due to family reasons.

Etienne Fynn (scrums) and Phiwe Nomlomo (skills) will continue in their current roles, but Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee has hinted that further coaching appointments will be made in the coming weeks as the Sharks prepare to embrace the challenge posed by playing in Europe.

“We are pleased to have secured the expertise of these experienced coaches who not only have great pedigree, but are also good people and will fit seamlessly into our culture,” said Coetzee.

“The result of the Rainbow Cup final played in Treviso was a timely warning that South African rugby cannot adopt a conservative outlook, and with this in mind it is exciting to welcome these coaches to our coaching team. They will impart their knowledge of the northern hemisphere conditions and style of play as we prepare for our participation in a new tournament.”