Overview
- John Plumtree will step down after Sunday’s Champions Cup match at Toulouse, bringing forward an exit initially planned for season’s end.
- JP Pietersen takes the reins for the remainder of the campaign and is set to lead from the Kings Park coaching box starting with next week’s Saracens fixture.
- The Sharks say Plumtree will stay within the high-performance setup in a mentoring role to support the transition.
- A confidential process to appoint a permanent head coach is under way, and officials have consulted Jake White for advice rather than a formal position.
- Selection plans are tight due to rested Springboks for Toulouse, a reported 12-week ban for Eben Etzebeth, and external interest in Siya Kolisi from Japan’s Kobe Steelers.