BREAKING | Sharks rugby overhaul: JP Pietersen named head coach as Rory Duncan returns

After months of examining how they conduct their business, the Sharks have restructured both their coaching staff and top leadership, appointing JP Pietersen as head coach and bringing seasoned administrator Rory Duncan back to Durban from the Cheetahs.

Duncan, a former lock at the Sharks, has been the CEO at the Cheetahs and returns to the Tank in the new position of chief of staff.

Another Sharks old boy, the former scrumhalf Scott Mathie, will be Pietersen’s new attack coach. Mathie is currently an assistant at Edinburgh under former Sharks coach Sean Everitt.

Mathie, a Durban High School old boy and former coach of Griquas, is a highly rated backline coach. He takes over from Dave Williams.

The Sharks’ New York-based owner, Marco Masotti, commented: “We want to be special. Our goal is a rugby business that ensures the Sharks compete for a trophy in every competition we play in, including the Champions Cup and (the likely) World Club Cup.

"Our new high performance plan addresses the challenges of our rugby business. It draws on the storied history of the Sharks and our unique culture and ambition to take our club into the future.”

Shaun Bryans, chief executive officer, added: “JP’s appointment is a natural progression and a decision we are extremely confident in. He has proven that he is the right man for the job, building on the strong foundations laid down by his predecessor (John Plumtree).

"This is the start of a new and exciting era for the Sharks, founded on mutual respect, passion, and pride in what this jersey has meant over the years.

“JP has brought a renewed focus on clarity, accountability, and strong alignment within the playing group. The performance improvement we have seen over the past two months is measurable and tangible.

“More importantly, he understands the standards and identity of this organisation. This appointment provides stability while allowing us to continue building a clear and consistent performance model.”

Pietersen said he has accepted the appointment with a clear sense of responsibility and purpose.

“This jersey has shaped who I am. The Sharks have given me everything in my career, so to be entrusted with leading this team is something I do not take lightly. I am incredibly proud, but more than that, I am hungry to keep pushing this group forward”.

* Mike Greenaway is the senior rugby reporter at Independent Media and senior contributor on our Last World on Rugby podcast on our YouTube channel The Clutch