Durban – According to The Mercury’s website, former World Cup-winning Springbok and Sharks captain John Smit is set to be named as the new Sharks CEO, and could take over as early as July.
Current Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl is allegedly poised to retire from the post in February.
According to the report, Smit’s appointment is likely to be given the stamp of approval on Monday, followed by a public announcement on Wednesday.
At 35, Smit, the all-time highest capped Springbok in history, will become the youngest executive officer of a South African franchise.
Smit is currently playing overseas for London club Saracens and was due to play his final season in 2014 for French club Toulon, but it is understood the Sharks have negotiated the player’s release.
Sources claim that the Sharks have been actively engaged in negotiations with Smit for several months.
Van Zyl has been Sharks CEO since 1994, and recently came under fire for his handling of the Sharks' response to the tragic murder of former Royal Marine Brett Williams outside Kings Park Stadium.
Current Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl is allegedly poised to retire from the post in February.
According to the report, Smit’s appointment is likely to be given the stamp of approval on Monday, followed by a public announcement on Wednesday.
At 35, Smit, the all-time highest capped Springbok in history, will become the youngest executive officer of a South African franchise.
Smit is currently playing overseas for London club Saracens and was due to play his final season in 2014 for French club Toulon, but it is understood the Sharks have negotiated the player’s release.
Sources claim that the Sharks have been actively engaged in negotiations with Smit for several months.
Van Zyl has been Sharks CEO since 1994, and recently came under fire for his handling of the Sharks' response to the tragic murder of former Royal Marine Brett Williams outside Kings Park Stadium.