The Sharks announced that, by mutual consent, Sharks Head Coach Sean Everitt has stepped down from his role, with immediate effect.

The Sharks CEO, Eduard Coetzee, confirmed that Everitt will be leaving the team after 15 years and that the former Springbok Sevens head coach and new Director of Rugby, Neil Powell, will take over the role in the interim.

"We thank Sean for his invaluable contribution to the Sharks over the past few years, especially navigating through a challenging Covid-19 period. He will always remain a part of the Sharks family. I would like to take this opportunity to wish him and his family the very best moving forward.

"This decision has been made in the best interests of the team moving forward.

"Our Director of Rugby, Neil Powell, will oversee the remainder of the United Rugby Championship campaign as well as our first foray into the Champions Cup, which kicks off on the 10th of December. Neil will be ably supported by the rest of our current senior coaching structure, which remains unchanged."

Everitt said that, keeping the team's best interests in mind, he has decided to step down.

"This is a sad development for me and sometimes the results don’t always match the tireless effort that has been put in.

"I have been a part of this union for close to 15 years and I’ve always had the best interests of this team at heart. I leave with no regrets."

"I would like to thank the Sharks for the great memories and the wonderful opportunities that has been given to me at the helm of this fantastic team. I wish the Sharks every success, as the season progresses."

On Friday night at 19:00 the Sharks tackle the Ospreys at Kings’ Park.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport