The Sharks will be without John Plumtree for the next few weeks as the head coach returns to New Zealand to attend to family commitments.

Plumtree made the revelation during a press conference on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup match between the Sharks and Oyonnax.

The New Zealander will not be available for the next two games, but is expected to be back with the Sharks in time for the Vodacom URC return match against the DHL Stormers in Durban on 17 February.

“It is not ideal,” Plumtree said. “In this environment, our families come first and that includes me. I haven’t been home for six months and have no family here.”

Plumtree confirmed that attack coach David Williams will handle the head coach responsibilities during his absence, while director of rugby Neil Powell will also be on hand to help where he can.

“I have a lot of faith in Dave doing a good job while I am gone. Right now it probably wouldn’t take much to do a better job than me,” Plumtree joked.

“He has the full support of the senior players.”

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