Durban - Former Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold has been named the new director of rugby by the Sharks, the Durban franchise announced on Friday.
Gold, 47, signed a three-year contract with the coastal franchise, replacing 2007-winning World Cup coach Jake White, who quit Kings Park last month.
Sharks CEO, and former Springbok captain, John Smit said he was delighted Gold had agreed to join the Sharks family.
“Gary is an experienced coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and an impressive level of commitment to his new role,” Smit said in a statement.
“Having worked closely with him in the Springbok set-up, I found him to be approachable with a high regard for player welfare and management as well as meticulous attention to detail in regard to the game.”
Gold is currently head coach of Japan's Top League club Kobelco Steelers and is expected to take charge with immediate effect.
Brendan Venter re-joins the union as technical director. He led the Sharks to the Currie Cup title last season after coming in for a brief three-month stint following the axing of John Plumtree.
He had previously worked with Gold at English club London Irish.
“The team environment Brendan created and the success he achieved with us in a short space of time speaks volumes about his character, commitment and general rugby acumen,” Smit said.
“As I have previously stated, we will do whatever we can to keep him involved with us for as long as possible.”
Sapa