The Board of Directors of The Sharks (Pty) Ltd are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr John Smit as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Sharks (Pty) Ltd, effective 1st July 2013. John takes over the reins from current CEO, Mr Brian van Zyl who will mentor John until his pre-agreed retirement date of 28th February 2014.
Having joined The Sharks on the 1st February 1994, Brian van Zyl will have served The Sharks with distinction for 20 years. With his sound administration and business knowledge, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that The Sharks have become not only one of the most financially sound unions but also a sporting brand of international acclaim. He has commanded the respect of the South African Rugby Union, team management, past and present players, staff of The Sharks (Pty) Ltd and the other stakeholders whom he has interacted with over the years.
Mr Stephen Saad, the Chairman of The Sharks Board of Directors, says, “On behalf of the Board of The Sharks (Pty) Ltd, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brian for his invaluable contribution to The Sharks. His knowledge, experience and understanding of the game and its administration is outstanding. At the end of his tenure, he leaves The Sharks in good stead and we salute him for the many years of dedication, commitment and service that he has given, not only to The Sharks (Pty) Ltd, but to rugby in South Africa.
“In the past 2 decades under his stewardship, The Sharks have become the most followed provincial rugby franchise in the southern hemisphere. He has the respect of both supporters and adversaries alike. Brian, we salute your unwavering service to The Sharks and thank you for your continued support including the mentorship of John.”
“John Smit’s appointment marks the dawn of a new and exciting era at The Sharks (Pty) Ltd,” said Saad. We look forward to welcoming the favourite son of South African Rugby to his new role as CEO. We pledge our support and commitment to him and have every confidence that he will embrace his new role, with the same leadership, spirit and vigour that he displayed as the most capped Springbok captain and player of all time.”
Having spent thirteen years of his professional career with The Sharks, John makes a welcome return to a province that he loves and where it all began for him. He has become the most respected and decorated rugby player in South African history and his achievements both on and off the field are well documented. He is a natural leader and has an innate ability to rally his troops and get the best out of his team. When he takes up his new position, John will inherit an experienced management support team at The Sharks, who will offer him guidance and advice as he settles into his new position.
To this end, Leigh Heard who has spent 21 years with The Sharks (Pty) Ltd as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will assume the responsibility of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Leigh’s role will include both financial and commercial functions and will help provide continuity and preserve the corporate memory of the successful Sharks management team.
The Sharks Head Coach, John Plumtree has stated, “On behalf of team management and the players, I extend our congratulations to John on his appointment. Over the years, many of us have shared special memories with John and we look forward to working with and supporting him in his new capacity.”
The Sharks current CEO, Brian van Zyl has said, “I wish to congratulate John on his appointment and wish him the very best in his new role. He was an inspirational captain and team man and I know that I leave The Sharks in good hands. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of The Sharks (Pty) Ltd, stakeholders and my staff for their assistance and support over the years. I have a few months to go before retirement and will use this time to ensure that the black and white baton is securely placed in John’s hands and so contribute to the successful Sharks legacy. I leave a proud man.”
Stephen Saad concluded by saying, “John is currently playing for Saracens in England and upon his return to South Africa, The Sharks will hold a press conference.”
John Smit’s Stats and Achievements
- Was capped 111 times for the Springboks in a 12 year international career (2000-2011);
- Represented South Africa at three Rugby World Cups;
- Captained the Springboks on 83 occasions;
- Represented The Sharks on 186 occasions (61 Currie Cup and 125 Super Rugby caps) between 1998 and 2011;
- Captained the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007;
- Tri-Nations winner in 2004 and 2009;
- Captained the Springboks in their series win against the British and Irish Lions in 2009;
Retired as the most-capped Springbok of all time and the most-capped international captain of all-time.
I think this could be a great move by the Sharks…
I will from now on refer to them as Barney’s Army or the Teddybear Brigade…. hehehe
@ grootblousmile:
Ja nie n slegte move nie. Dink nogals die ou het meer tussen die ore as wat meeste dink.
In the past 2 decades under his stewardship, The Sharks have become the most followed provincial rugby franchise in the southern hemisphere.
On what is this based as I was under the impression the Bulls had the biggest supporters base in the country?
3 @ KWAGGA ROBERTSE:
Every SA Franchise seems to think they have the biggest supportership.
Stormers / WP will tell you they are the biggest, The Sharks will tell you they are the biggest… but we all really know that the Bulls are indeed the most supported Rugby Franchise in the country…. some 8 million of us.
@ grootblousmile:
Magtig so baie. Bly maar lekker om n Bulletjie te is!!!
4/5: al wat jy sien is die Blou masjien.
5 @ KWAGGA ROBERTSE:
Ja… ek kan nou nie presies onthou wie die onafhanklike maatskappy was wat die statistiek gemeet het nie, maar 8 miljoen was die Bulle se syfer.. met die grootste ondersteuningsbasis oor al die kultuurgroepe ook, nogal.
Jinne, ek is bekommerd oor die Bulls… Frans Ludeke was moer verbaas toe Brenden Nel vir hom Saterdagnag vra wat hy gedink het van Morné Steyn se swak spel van die aand (want benewens pale toe was Morné maar woeskak).
Hy sê toe so ewe kordaat, op sy perdjie… Morné was baie goed, en enige ou maak mos maar ‘n foutjie.
Toe ek na die Presser met Frans die dinge bespreek, vra ek hom toe hoekom al die SA Franchises so geneig is om konserwatief te speel terwyl veral die Nieu Seelanders soveel meer “Oop-oë Rugby” speel en hule balvaardighede en oog vir gapings soveel beter is? Hy was toe weer om dieselfde ou punt toe hy verduidelik hoe die SA spanne eers wil konsentreer om in die regte areas van die veld te kom voor hulle knaend wil aanval en sê toe ook dat die Bulls maar sowat 5de meeste van al die Super Rugby spanne skop…
Daasie nuwe visie daar nie, ou pella… hulle is soos ‘n ou geroeste spyker….en redeneer soos ‘n passer… al om hulle eie ou gatte!
6 @ ben-die-bul:
Jip…al speel ons soms in PIENK… hahaha
@ grootblousmile:
Bliksem daai is iets om oor te worry. Morne was kak, erken dit en gaan aan. Ja almal kan n fout make maar moenie dit afskud as niks nie. Ek dink nie ons altyd ‘aan geswitch nie GB’ Dit lyk kompleet of ons party keer die game nou maar net sy gang laat gaan en dit juis wanneer n ou moet karnae oopdraai en die opposisie in die grond in moet bliksem.
Maak rugby kyk blerrie moeilik.
Congrats John and all the best. Great to have you back at the Sharks.
1 @ grootblousmile:
hehehe. Sounds good to me that…. hehe Think it will eventually come that saying no doubt about it. Sharks are Barney’s Army for sure now…..
Match Officials for round 10
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Super Rugby Match Officials Round 10
Match No.56. :Hurricanes v Force
Date : Friday 19 April
Venue : Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 1:Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 2:Kane McBride
TMO : Glenn Newman
Match No.57. : Waratahs v Chiefs
Date : Friday 19 April
Venue : Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick Off local: 19:40
Referee: Craig Joubert
Assistant Ref 1:Andrew Lees
Assistant Ref 2:Angus Gardner
TMO : Peter Marshall
Match No.58. : Crusaders v Highlanders
Date : Saturday 20 April
Venue : AMI Stadium, Addington Christchurch
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Garratt Williamson
Assistant Ref 1:Chris Pollock
Assistant Ref 2:Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri
TMO : Glenn Newman
Match No.59. : Reds v Brumbies
Date : Saturday 20 April
Venue : Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick Off local: 19:40
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Steve Walsh
Assistant Ref 2:James Leckie
TMO : Steve Leszczynski
Match No.60. : Sharks v Cheetahs
Date : Saturday 20 April
Venue : Kings Park, Durban
Kick Off local: 17:05
Referee: Jonathon White
Assistant Ref 1:Marius Jonker
Assistant Ref 2:Stefan Breytenbach
TMO : Shaun Veldsman
Match No.: 61.Kings v Bulls
Date : Saturday 20 April
Venue : Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick Off local: 19:10
Referee: Francisco Pastrana
Assistant Ref 1:Ben Crouse
Assistant Ref 2:Christie du Preez
TMO : Johann Meuwesen
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