Former Sharks prop Etienne Fynn will take the reins as head coach for the team's upcoming Currie Cup campaign, with World Cup-winning Springbok winger JP Pietersen set to serve as his assistant.
The 2022 Currie Cup kicks off in January and will run concurrently with the ongoing United Rugby Championship, requiring the top four South African franchises to field separate teams and coaching units.
“Fynn is no stranger to coaching, having held the role of forwards coach over various Sharks campaigns in the past two years and his elevation to head coach in this campaign, is a step in the right direction,” the Sharks said in a press release confirming the news.
“Pietersen not only brings vast playing experience and is well-versed in what it takes to be successful but is also highly respected by the players who can relate to him. His contributions and involvement in this campaign will be immense.”
The duo will be assisted by the specialist coaches in the Sharks set-up who will share duties in the two competitions: Warren Whiteley (line-outs), Phiwe Nomlomo (off-the-ball and skills), John McFarland (defence) and Aksventi Giorgadze (scrums).
Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee said: “Building player depth is important, but equally crucial is having coaches in our set-up that can be upskilled and are able to make a seamless transition to the next level. Creating pathways for growth and success is very much within our DNA and these appointments speak to that vision.
“We are confident that Etienne, JP and all the other coaches involved in this campaign will bring the best out of the Currie Cup squad and we remain committed to providing a strong platform for them to thrive.”
The Sharks begin their Currie Cup campaign on Wednesday, January 19, when they host the Griquas in Durban at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
