Sharks' Gold to move away from head coach role

That was after the Sharks beat the Stormers 34-12 at Growthpoint Kings Park last night. It was a fitting send-off for the departing Springbok trio Willem Alberts and brothers Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis. Flyhalf Fred Zeilinga also played his last game for the Durban outfit.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gold confirmed he would take a step away from a hands-on coaching role at the Union. He retains his post as director of rugby and intends to oversee all of the Union's teams.

Gold said he was looking forward to fulfilling his duties as director of rugby – which had been the plan this year.

“I probably don’t see myself as a hands-on coach and I don’t think that was the plan when I was initially appointed. Because of the logistics of what happened when I came in, the Sharks needed a coach,” Gold said.

“I envisage myself as a director of rugby. We are going to have a look at the current structures at the moment which I don’t think are ideal. We need to readdress those and look for some expertise in that field.”

“I really want to put time and energy into working with the coaches and ensuring all the Sharks teams are playing the same type of rugby. We’ve got a lot of work we want to do with clubs, schools and the local university.”

Gold said the Sharks are yet to advertise for a new head coach role.