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Sharks Confirm Plumtree to Step Down at Season’s End as Structural Overhaul Begins

A comprehensive review prompted sweeping changes, featuring an urgent technical consultant plus wider duties for Neil Powell.

Overview

  • John Plumtree will vacate the head‑coach role by mutual agreement after the 2025/26 season and move into a mentoring and advisory position.
  • The Sharks will appoint a technical coaching consultant as a matter of urgency to sharpen on‑field performance with specific attention to the team’s game model.
  • Director of rugby Neil Powell assumes expanded operational oversight spanning the academy and junior pathways, recruitment and retention, logistics, medical and rehab, travel, planning and budget.
  • CEO Shaun Bryans said results have been unacceptable and confirmed the entire rugby programme remains under active review with external experts involved.
  • Controlling owner Marco Masotti publicly backed Plumtree, while Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams expressed surprise at the news; the URC start stands at one win from five with the Sharks 13th.