After a turbulent two years in charge of the Sharks, both as a head coach and most recently as a director of Rugby, Gary Gold is quitting the franchise for an opportunity closer to home.
Gold returns to his family in Cape Town to pursue another potentially exciting avenue in his rugby career.
It is uncertain what Gold’s new role will be, but there is no doubting it will be rugby related for the decorated coach.
Gold joined the Sharks at a difficult period in the KZN franchise’s history. He followed on from World Cup-winning coach Jake White, who left the team under strained circumstances, as was revealed by former chief executive, John Smit, after he too resigned.
The former Springbok assistant coach faced much negativity from fans during his tenure as the once-mighty Sharks failed to live up to expectations in Super Rugby and Currie Cup over the past two years.
In two Currie Cups the Sharks failed to make the semi-finals, and in Super Rugby they came in 11th and eighth most recently, suffering a large defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes in their quarter-final.
The Sharks have announced that Robert du Preez will take over the Super Rugby coaching role after his first season as a head coach in the Currie Cup.
Chief executive, Gary Teichmann, said: “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.”
Gold added on his departure: “I have had an unbelievably enjoyable two years in Durban, with many highs and a few lows.”
“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.”
Fact file:
Gary Gold (49-years-old)
Born: Cape Town
Schooled: Wynberg Boys High
2001-2003: Forwards coach of London Irish (under Brendan Venter)
2003-2005: Head coach of London Irish (took them to 8th and 10th (out of 12) in the League)
2005-2007: Forwards coach at Western Province
2007-2008: Head coach of Western Province
2008-2011: Springbok forwards coach
2012: Tasked with saving Newcastle Falcons from relegation along with Mike Ford, but missed out by one point.
2012: Head coach of Bath
2013: Director of Rugby of Bath
2014: Head coach of the Sharks (2015 Super Rugby: W: 7 L: 9; 2015 Currie Cup: W: 4 D: 1 L: 5)
2015: Director of Rugby at the Sharks (2016 Super Rugby: W: 9 D: 1 L: 5)
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