DURBAN - The Sharks have appointed former Springbok backline coach Dick Muir on a consultancy basis for the 2018 season amid a coaching shake-up by head coach Robert du Preez.
Long-serving assistant coaches Ryan Strudwick and Sean Everitt will will no longer be part of Du Preez’s set-up, with backline coach Everitt moving to the Sharks Under-19s and defence coach Strudwick departing the team.
Muir, a former teammate of Du Preez’s at Kings Park in the ’90s and a Springbok centre in 1997, will be responsible for the team’s attack and backline play. As a coach, Muir took the Sharks to the final of the 2007 Super Rugby tournament before joining the Springboks under Peter de Villiers from 2008 to 2011.
Sharks CEO Gary Teichmann, also a former teammate of Muir’s, said: “Dick’s coaching record and his passion for the game makes him the ideal person for the role. He is passionate about this team, our proud history and helping to take us forward.
“He has a lot to offer in terms of shaping our attack, as well as mentoring and guiding our young backline to reach their full potential. After he took a break from rugby, we are happy that he has decided to return to the coaching fore with his expertise and technical astuteness.”
Muir added: “I am very excited to once again be involved with the Sharks, and I look forward to helping them achieve their vision. Together with Gary and Robert and the rest of the management team, our plan is to bring the team back to where they once were.
“Rugby coaching is a passion for me and despite having taken a break from full-time coaching, I never have not been involved at some level of the structures.
“My role in the Investec International Rugby Academy and with Northwood School has kept me in touch with what is happening in the game, and has fuelled my passion to be a part of the future of the Sharks.”