Former Bok scrumhalf Robert du Preez will join the Sharks as an assistant coach for next year's Super Rugby campaign.

Du Preez, who recently won the Currie Cup First Division trophy with the Leopards, will also serve as the head coach in next year’s Currie Cup, the Sharks announced on Monday.

'We are immensely happy to confirm the appointment of Robert du Preez,' Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold said. 'It was an appointment that we thought long and hard about. We identified that we wanted to bring in a coach who fitted a particular profile, someone who was South African and someone that understands our unique culture and who also has a strong belief in a disciplined environment.

'We believe that Robert ticks every single box. The route that his coaching career has gone has been absolutely textbook in terms of the success he enjoyed at College Rovers, where he won 67 out of the 70 games he coached there. Then with NWU-Pukke, as well as the knowledge he has of unearthing the potential of young players coming through the ranks, and obviously his recent success with the Leopards. He has certainly shown that there is a consistency to what he does.'

The Sharks have also appointed Omar Mouneimne as a defence and breakdown coach.

'Omar will bring a much-needed edge that I have felt is needed to the Sharks' defence and contact points,' Gold said.

Photo: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images