Former Bok players to coach Sharks in Currie Cup

NEWS: The Sharks have revealed their coaching team for the upcoming Currie Cup campaign

Etienne Fynn, who is a former Sharks and Springbok prop, will be head coach and he will be joined by Springbok legend JP Pietersen, who takes the reins of assistant coach for the campaign.

"Fynn is no stranger to coaching, having held the role of forwards coach over various Sharks campaigns in the past two years and his elevation to head coach in this campaign, is a step in the right direction," said a Sharks statement.

"Pietersen not only brings vast playing experience and is well-versed in what it takes to be successful but is also highly respected by the players who can relate to him. His contributions and involvement in this campaign will be immense."

They will be assisted by the specialist coaches in the Sharks set-up namely Warren Whiteley (line-outs), Phiwe Nomlomo (off-the-ball and skills), John McFarland (defence) and Aksventi Giorgadze (scrums), who will share overlapping duties in the respective competitions.

Speaking on the Currie Cup coaching team appointments, Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee said: "Building player depth is important, but equally crucial is having coaches in our set-up that can be upskilled and are able to make a seamless transition to the next level. Creating pathways for growth and success is very much within our DNA and these appointments speak to that vision.

"We are confident that Etienne, JP and all the other coaches involved in this campaign will bring the best out of the Currie Cup squad and we remain committed to providing a strong platform for them to thrive.

In a first for a Sharks senior men’s team, Lusanda Mtiya has been appointed team manager for the Sharks Currie Cup campaign. Mtiya herself is an accomplished rugby player, having represented both the Springbok and KZN Womens’ teams as well as being part of the KZN Referees’ Panel.

"Lusanda’s appointment speaks of The Sharks commitment to provide equal opportunities for women in our sport and her involvement creates gender diversity within the set-up of our rugby structures," added Coetzee. "She is a welcomed addition and will bring a feminine touch and a strong voice to the team environment."

There are seven teams participating in the competition with 12 matches to be played on a home-and-away basis.

The Sharks open their account in the competition on Wednesday, January 19 when they host Griquas in Durban.