The Sharks are reportedly set to make a surprise move and bring former head coach John Plumtree back to Kings Park next season.
According to a report by IOL Sport, former All Blacks assistant coach Plumtree is set for a dramatic return to the Shark Tank as the Durban-based side look to boost their coaching staff for the next Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
It has been reported that Plumtree would be appointed as the next head coach, effectively taking over from Sean Everitt, who was sacked last year after which director of rugby Neil Powell took the reins.
However, a source confirmed that the New Zealander has not been offered a full-time coaching position, but the Sharks have engaged with him over the possibility of a consultancy role. This would see him look at the Sharks’ structures and assist the team later this year.
The 57-year-old is no stranger to KwaZulu-Natal, having played 80 games for the province between 1988 and 1994. He then served as an assistant coach to Dick Muir when the Sharks progressed to the Super 14 final in 2007.
The following year, Plumtree took over as head coach, a role he held until 2012, when former captain John Smit took over from Brian van Zyl as CEO.
Smit relieved Plumtree of his duties and he returned to New Zealand, taking up roles with the Hurricanes, Ireland, Japan and, most recently, the All Blacks.
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