Muir back to rub some of that old Natal magic on Sharks
SEEMINGLY in a bid to continue installing the old Natal traditions, the Sharks have appointed a familiar face in Dick Muir.
The former Natal centre, Springbok, Springbok assistant coach and Sharks head coach joins as a consultant responsible for the team’s attack and backline play for the 2018 rugby season.
It is a shrewd appointment as Muir was renowned for his exciting running when playing for Natal; he was part of the team that won the Currie Cup for the first time in 1990 for Natal, forming a lethal combination with Jeremy Thomson.
Muir will have his hands full with a host of impressive and impressionable youngsters when he reignites his coaching career.
Muir was known to have moved onto more leisurely things, such as farming vegetables in Vryheid, when he hung up his whistle last year.
But a role at Northwood school saw the servant to Sharks and Springbok rugby back in the firing line, and obviously right in CEO Gary Teichmann’s sights.
“Dick’s coaching record and his passion for the game make him the ideal person for the role. He is passionate about this team, our proud history and helping to take us forward,” the CEO said.
“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 a break, we are happy that he has decided to return to the coaching fore with his expertise and technical astuteness.”
Muir alluded to the vision that is clearly on the cards in Durban, to bring the Sharks back to where they once were. And by bringing in the likes of Teichmann, Robert du Preez and now Muir, all men who have seen the Sharks at the top, it bodes well.
“I am very excited to once again be involved with the Sharks as a consultant 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,” Muir said.
“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 fueled my passion to be a part of shaping the future of the Sharks.”
Indeed, Muir will have a big role to play in trying to firstly get the most out of a squad of backs that is overflowing with talent, as well as growing them individually.
Some notable backs in the Sharks’ set-up, all vying for seven starting spots, include: Louis Schreuder, Cameron Wright, Curwin Bosch, Robert du Preez jr, Inny Radebe, Marius Louw, Andre Esterhuizen, Lukhanyo Am, Jeremy Ward, Makazole Mapimpi, Leolin Zas, Lwazi Mvovo, Sbu Nkosi, Rhyno Smith and Garth April, just to name a few.