Robert du Preez snr
The Sharks (Pty) Ltd today confirmed the appointment of former Springbok scrumhalf, Robert du Preez (snr), who will join the Cell C Sharks coaching team. He will be an assistant coach during Super Rugby and will head up next year’s Currie Cup tournament.
Du Preez, coach of the Leopards who recently won the ABSA Currie Cup First Division trophy, joins the Cell C Sharks in November 2015.
Confirming his appointment, The Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold said: “We are immensely happy to confirm the appointment of Robert du Preez. It was an appointment that we thought long and hard about. We identified that we wanted to bring in a coach who fitted a particular profile, someone who was South African and someone that understands our unique culture and who also has a strong belief in a disciplined environment.
“We believe that Robert ticks every single box. The route that his coaching career has gone has been absolutely textbook in terms of the success he enjoyed at College Rovers, where he won 67 out of the 70 games he coached there, then with NWU-Pukke as well as the knowledge he has of unearthing the potential of young players coming through the ranks and obviously his recent success with the Leopards. He has certainly shown that there is a consistency to what he does.
“Being a former Sharks player and having played here during the glory years of the 90’s, Robert is passionate about Sharks rugby. He is the ideal candidate to assist our young players during this transitional phase to senior rugby. He has enjoyed great success in his coaching career so far and he will certainly be an asset to our coaching unit,” added Gold.
Reacting to his appointment, Robert du Preez stated: “It’s fantastic to come back home to a union I had such great memories at. My role is obviously different this time around, which will present fantastic new challenges. I believe that there is great talent in the province and I am looking forward to working with the Cell C Sharks coaching team.”
The Sharks have also appointed Defence Coach Omar Mouneimne, who amongst others has enjoyed success at Edinburgh and Italy, will be joining the Cell C Sharks coaching team as a defence and breakdown coach.
“Omar will bring a much needed edge that I have felt is needed to the Cell C Sharks defence and contact points,” concluded Gary Gold.
Cell C Sharks Media Release