While talks between John Plumtree and the Sharks are at an advanced stage, the Kiwi coach is also considering at least one other offer.
Sunday newspaper Rapport reported that Plumtree has agreed terms with the Sharks, but sources have confirmed that no contract has been signed as Plumtree is in consult with multiple clubs about his next gig.
Should Plumtree return to Durban, it would be to take over as head coach, filling the vacancy created by Sean Everitt’s exit last year after which director of rugby Neil Powell took the reins.
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The New Zealander has been spotted attending matches at Kings Park and according to Rapport, has already met with some of the senior Sharks players to explain his possible plans for the team.
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.
Plumtree’s appointment would be the first move in an overhaul of the coaching staff in Durban after a disappointing Vodacom United Rugby Championship round-robin campaign saw the Springbok-powered side finish in eighth place.
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Former Ireland U20 coach Noel McNamara, who held the role of attack and backs coach at the Sharks, as well as Georgian scrum guru Akvsenti Giorgadze are both expected to follow French forwards coach Yannick Bru and conditioning coach Allan Temple-Jones out of Kings Park.
David Williams, who was previously the Sharks’ attack coach under Sean Everitt in 2020, will return to Durban after leaving Bath by mutual consent in February.
Photo: Martin Hunter / www.photosport.nz