Outgoing head coach John Plumtree insists he will still be around as the Sharks navigate through a turbulent period. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports.
Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against Toulouse will be Plumtree’s final match in charge as he makes way for former Sharks and Springbok winger JP Pietersen.
Plumtree said Pietersen’s elevation on an interim basis is the natural next step for a man deeply connected to the union.
“JP is the most important person in this whole conversation. He’s done well with our juniors and in the Currie Cup, and he’s a proper Sharks man – never played for another club, loves KwaZulu-Natal, loves the people. I genuinely think he’s going to be a good Sharks coach for the future.”
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Plumtree agreed to address the role changes during the Sharks’ press conference on Friday after it had been reported by SARugbymag.co.za.
“You definitely stole my thunder,” he joked. “But yes, there is going to be some change. Since the decision that I’d finish at the end of the season, it’s become clear that now is the right time for me to step aside. I still see my future at the Sharks – just in a different role.”
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After a poor start to their Vodacom URC campaign, the franchise announced in late October that Plumtree would step down by mutual agreement at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Plumtree said his decision to leave the role now emerged from “thorough conversations” with Sharks owner Marco Masotti in November.
“There are a couple of projects I’m really passionate about that need attention in the organisation,” he explained. “I’d like to use my experience in other parts of the business while supporting JP as he steps in.”
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Plumtree emphasised that his role now will be to guide, not overshadow Pietersen.
“I’ll be there supporting him, standing behind him, not in front,” he said. “There’s a fine line – I don’t want to undermine him. JP’s nearly 40, and there are plenty of coaches at high level at that age.
“He’s strong-willed, he’s got his own opinions, and when he makes up his mind, he’s hard to shift. That’s a key attribute of a good head coach.”
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Plumtree stressed that Pietersen must not be left isolated.
“At times I’ve felt like I was on a bit of an island,” he admitted. “We must make sure JP never feels that way. Everyone in the organisation has to get around him. It’s not about one person – it’s about the whole Sharks system moving forward together.”
And while Pietersen is only confirmed as interim coach, Plumtree is adamant this is an opportunity worth grabbing.
“He’ll make mistakes, and he’ll make good decisions – that’s how you grow. If we don’t give him this chance, a homegrown Sharks man, it would be a shame. I believe in JP, and I think he’ll do a really good job.”
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Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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