Gary Gold

Cell C Sharks Director Of Rugby, Gary Gold, has announced the 4 coaches that will be assisting him in next year’s Super Rugby competition.

Former UKZN Impi coach Ryan Strudwick will be in charge of the forwards. Strudwick’s Impi side were crowned Varsity Shield champions earlier this year when they beat Wits in the Final. He also previously coached Maritzburg College.

Strudwick also assisted Gold during this year’s Currie Cup campaign. He has been involved with the Sharks at Under 19 and Under 20 level as well.

Former Springbok and Sharks scrumhalf Robert du Preez will be the team’s skills and attack coach – a role he shares with Sean Everitt. Du Preez also won the ABSA Currie Cup First Division trophy with the Leopards this year. The North West team went through the entire tournament unbeaten.

He also guided NWU-Pukke to two Varsity Cup finals – one of which was this year’s 33 / 63 loss to UFS Shimlas. Pukke lost to UCT in the final in 2014.

Du Preez will also be coaching his sons Dan and Jean-Luc who are part of the Cell C Sharks squad.

Omar Mouneimne joins from the Steval Pumas and will be the team’s defence coach. He was also part of the Eastern Province Kings coaching setup and also had coaching stints in Edinburgh and Italy.

A notable absentee in the coaching team is former Springbok Brendan Venter, who served as a consultant to the team in seasons past.

Commenting on his coaching team Gold said: “A lot of work was done prior to the start of our pre-season campaign to assemble a skilled group of coaches, who we have no doubt will assist in improving our performances.

“These gentlemen understand our unique culture and have brought in a much needed edge and energy to take us forward.”

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