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Durban - For former Springbok forwards coach Gary Gold, the opportunity to coach the Cell C Sharks marks an exciting time in his career as he leaves the Far East to return to his home country.
"I was in Japan, where we were in the middle of our season and John Smit called me to say they were going to be looking for an appointment, and that they were wondering what my situation was in Japan,” he told Sharks website editor Michael Marnewick.
“It’s a massive honour and very humbling to be considered and I see it as a really exciting career opportunity; and it’s fantastic to be able to move home where my family is.”
His roles at various clubs, environments and levels means he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Durban. “I have learnt a huge amount from each place that I’ve coached. Every experience has been different, and it’s been a massive learning curve. I’ve hopefully been able to bank lessons from every job, and hopefully I’ll be able to impart what I’ve learnt.”
He also relishes the opportunity to once again work alongside CEO John Smit, the pair having been associated with the Springboks as assistant coach and captain following the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
“I’ve had a long working relationship with John, we worked well together at the Boks, and I’m very appreciative to him and the Sharks board for backing me,” Gold admitted.
“John has been a leader for a long time and he’s respected across the board. Sharks Rugby is in his blood, he’s ambitious, honest and you know where you stand with him.”
As Director of Rugby, one of the roles Gold will play will be overseeing all aspects of rugby at the union, including (but not limited to) the junior teams of the Shark Under 19s and Under 21s, the Vodacom Cup team (Sharks XV) as well as the senior side.
In order for a union to be successful, one main driver of talent needs to be the youngsters who start their professional careers there and work their way up through the ranks. And to make sure that the local players entering the union are of a high quality, as well as those who may not initially earn junior contracts, but who might use the Club or Academy system to progress further.
“Obviously I see great potential in the junior structures at the Sharks, and it’s also vital to have that relationship and support with varsity rugby, club rugby, and the schools. Ultimately you want to have that system in place where you are developing your own players.”
But ultimately, what he wants is for the players to enjoy being at the Sharks. Contented players, those who know their needs will be looked after, their careers developed and strengthened, and feel valued, are the ones who will pledge allegiance to the team that supports their own hopes and dreams.
“What is absolutely critical is for the players to be happy, I want them to enjoy coming to work, and enjoy their rugby. Hopefully I can add value both on and off the field. I know it’s not going to be easy, I will make mistakes, and there will be lots of scrutiny.
“But I’ve learnt a lot from my years as a coach, and I’m willing to work relentlessly because I see massive potential here.”
"I was in Japan, where we were in the middle of our season and John Smit called me to say they were going to be looking for an appointment, and that they were wondering what my situation was in Japan,” he told Sharks website editor Michael Marnewick.
“It’s a massive honour and very humbling to be considered and I see it as a really exciting career opportunity; and it’s fantastic to be able to move home where my family is.”
His roles at various clubs, environments and levels means he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Durban. “I have learnt a huge amount from each place that I’ve coached. Every experience has been different, and it’s been a massive learning curve. I’ve hopefully been able to bank lessons from every job, and hopefully I’ll be able to impart what I’ve learnt.”
He also relishes the opportunity to once again work alongside CEO John Smit, the pair having been associated with the Springboks as assistant coach and captain following the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
“I’ve had a long working relationship with John, we worked well together at the Boks, and I’m very appreciative to him and the Sharks board for backing me,” Gold admitted.
“John has been a leader for a long time and he’s respected across the board. Sharks Rugby is in his blood, he’s ambitious, honest and you know where you stand with him.”
As Director of Rugby, one of the roles Gold will play will be overseeing all aspects of rugby at the union, including (but not limited to) the junior teams of the Shark Under 19s and Under 21s, the Vodacom Cup team (Sharks XV) as well as the senior side.
In order for a union to be successful, one main driver of talent needs to be the youngsters who start their professional careers there and work their way up through the ranks. And to make sure that the local players entering the union are of a high quality, as well as those who may not initially earn junior contracts, but who might use the Club or Academy system to progress further.
“Obviously I see great potential in the junior structures at the Sharks, and it’s also vital to have that relationship and support with varsity rugby, club rugby, and the schools. Ultimately you want to have that system in place where you are developing your own players.”
But ultimately, what he wants is for the players to enjoy being at the Sharks. Contented players, those who know their needs will be looked after, their careers developed and strengthened, and feel valued, are the ones who will pledge allegiance to the team that supports their own hopes and dreams.
“What is absolutely critical is for the players to be happy, I want them to enjoy coming to work, and enjoy their rugby. Hopefully I can add value both on and off the field. I know it’s not going to be easy, I will make mistakes, and there will be lots of scrutiny.
“But I’ve learnt a lot from my years as a coach, and I’m willing to work relentlessly because I see massive potential here.”
