Gold moves on after two years with Sharks

SHARKS director of rugby Gary Gold is leaving the Durban franchise to pursue another potentially exciting avenue in his rugby career‚ the team says.

Sharks chief executive Gary Teichmann announced the move yesterday.

“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,” 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.”

Teichmann‚ a former Springbok captain‚ took over from John Smit as the Sharks chief executive in August. Gold had been with the team for two years. 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 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 former Natal and Springbok scrumhalf and current Sharks Currie Cup head coach Robert du Preez would take charge of the Sharks Super Rugby campaign for next year.

“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,” Teichmann said.

“We extend our best wishes to Robert and his coaching team as they commence their pre-season training programme on Monday.”