Gold to coach Sharks in Currie Cup

The announcement comes as a slight surprise. After the Sharks' final Super Rugby clash of the season two weeks ago, Gold had said he would be taking a step away from directly coaching both the Currie Cup and Super Rugby teams in the future.

However in yesterday's official press release, the Sharks said they had considered a replacement for Brad Macleod-Henderson, who has coached the Sharks' Currie Cup side for the past two seasons. Macleod-Henderson resigned from the Union after the Super Rugby season concluded.

After much deliberation, it was decided that Gold would coach the side to maintain continuity going into the 2016 season.

Gold will be assisted by backline coach Sean Everitt, while Ryan Strudwick will look after the forward pack.

 "For the first time since I arrived, I am satisfied that there is continuity and clarity amongst the various age-groups and this has been achieved through the redeployment of the coaching structures. The historic structure lacked the necessary focus throughout the age-groups. We had approached and considered a replacement for Brad. However, we have after consultation with all stakeholders including the team, decided within this new framework, that it will be in the best interest of the team and for continuity for me to oversee the campaign with the assistance of Sean and Ryan," Gold said.

The Sharks Super Rugby defence and kicking coach Michael Horak will take charge of the Sharks U21 side, while off-the-ball coach Paul Anthony will coach the U19s. Anthony has a good history of coaching age-group sides, having led the Bulls U19's to two Currie Cup titles.

The Currie Cup gets underway in August, where the Sharks will face the Pumas first up.

(File Photo: Gallo Images)

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