The Sharks have parted ways with their second director of rugby in two years after it was announced Gary Gold would leave the union. Gold‚ who replaced Jake White as director of rugby at the beginning of 2015‚ apparently requested to be released from his contract to pursue other ‘opportunities’. “We respect Gary’s decision to move closer to home to pursue this opportunity and we thank him for his positive contribution and efforts during a period of transition with The Sharks‚” Sharks chief executive Gary Teichmann said. “During this time there have been some Sharks stalwarts who moved on while a young and exciting squad has been assembled‚ opening up a new phase in our history. “In his role as Director of Rugby‚ there were many systems implemented that will aid our growth in the coming years. I would like to take this opportunity to wish him and his family the very best moving forward.” It seemed to be a sanitised statement and Gold didn’t shed any light on his next move to Times Media in a text message “I am happy with the decision and it’s all good‚” was all he would venture. In 2013 the Sharks fired coach John Plumtree.White succeeded Plumtree and although he took the team to the 2014 Super Rugby semi-finals‚ he fell out with then CEO John Smit over his role. White eventually departed in late 2014 paving the way for Gold to become director of rugby.The Sharks made the 2016 Super Rugby play-offs under Gold's coaching‚ losing at the quarterfinal stage. In an official statement Gold said: “I have had an unbelievably enjoyable two years in Durban‚ with many highs and a few lows. “There is an exciting group of youngsters that are currently in the system‚ who have great futures ahead of them. “I look forward to the next challenge in my career and I would like to thank everyone at The Sharks for the great memories and the wonderful opportunity I was given to be at the helm of a fantastic team‚ the Sharks.” Teichmann also announced that former Sharks and Springbok scrumhalf and current Currie Cup Head Coach‚ Robert du Preez‚ would take charge of the Super Rugby campaign. “Robert is a true son of KZN and is a passionate Sharks man. Having played here‚ he understands the culture we want to create and our vision moving forward”‚ added Teichmann. “We extend our best wishes to Robert and his coaching team as they commence their pre-season training programme on Monday‚ ahead of the start of next year’s tournament." - TMG Digital..