And the new Sharks coach is...

Gold, who's currently Head Coach of Top League Japanese Club Kobelco Steelers, has signed a three-year contract, spanning 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Smit says Gold, 47, is an experienced coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and an impressive level of commitment to his new role. 

“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. We are delighted that he has agreed to join The Sharks family," he said in a statement.

Gold says it is a massive honour to be considered for the position. 

"I see it as a really exciting career opportunity, and it’s fantastic to be able to move home where my family is. But it was important for me to sort everything out with my Japanese club, and fortunately they were very understanding," he said. 

Brendan Venter, who Gary Gold worked with at London Irish, will also be back with The Sharks as Technical Director. 

Smit says the team environment Venter created and the success he achieved with the team in a short space of time speaks volumes about his character, commitment and general rugby acumen. 

"As I have previously stated, we will do whatever we can to keep him involved with us for as long as possible," he said. 

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(File photo: Gallo Images)