White's Sharks move confirmed

The Sharks have confirmed that Jake White will replace Brendan Venter as their new Director of Rugby.

The World Cup-winning Springboks coach who has spent the last two years with the Brumbies in Canberra has been strongly linked to the position in recent weeks, and the Sharks made it official on Monday.

Confirming his appointment, Sharks CEO John Smit said: "We are immensely happy to confirm the appointment of Jake White as our new Director of Rugby. We formed a formidable relationship during my playing career and I am delighted to re-establish that partnership, which is in line with our vision to take the Sharks to the next level."

Smit said that given White's success with both the Springboks and Brumbies, it was an easy decision to make for the Sharks.

"Jake is an experienced coach whose track record speaks volumes about his ability to rally his team and get the best out of them. We are pleased that he has decided to join the Sharks," he said.

This means that White will take over from Venter at the end of the month, although Smit would like to keep the former Bok centre involved in some capacity in Durban.

"Brendan Venter’s commitment to me was to drastically change our players' environment which we think he has done with extreme success.

"Brendan has no written contract with the Sharks which is a testament to his character and his positive motives in coaching us and we will do whatever we can to keep him involved with us for as long as possible, in any capacity," he explained.