Gary Gold quits the Sharks

Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold is leaving the Durban franchise "to pursue another potentially exciting avenue in his rugby career"‚ the coastal club said in a statement on Thursday.

Gary Teichmann‚ Sharks CEO‚ announced the move‚ adding: “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. 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.”

Teichmann‚ a former Springbok captain‚ took over from John Smit as the Sharks chief executive officer in August.

Gold had been with the team for two years.

In the Sharks statement‚ Gold was quoted as saying: “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..."

Teichmann said that former Natal and Springbok scrumhalf and current Sharks Currie Cup Head Coach‚ Robert du Preez‚ will take charge of the Sharks 2017 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”‚ said 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.”

The 2017 Super Rugby competition will trial Thursday-night matches and feature more afternoon games.

It kicks off on February 23 when the Rebels host the Blues‚ while the Sharks will take on the Reds in Brisbane a day later. This year’s runners-up‚ the Lions‚ will tackle the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

The final is on August 5.

  - TMG Digital