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No head coach for Sharks

Durban -  With The Sharks players enjoying a brief respite from rugby, the new coaching staff are hard at work behind the scenes planning their Absa Currie Cup campaign which kicks off on August 9.

According to the Sharks official website, CEO John Smit has introduced a completely new and innovative coaching setup, opting not to appoint a head coach, but for newly-appointed director of rugby Brendan Venter to act in a 'hands-on' role.

Brad Macleod-Henderson, who was widely speculated to fill the head coaching vacancy, left after former coach John Plumtree was axed, has been appointed forwards coach, with Sean Everitt to coach the backline.

Paul Anthony has been confirmed to join the Sharks’ coaching team at the end of 2013 for next year’s Super Rugby tournament.

"It’s a great opportunity, a great honour and something I’m really looking forward to," Macleod-Henderson said.

With a new coaching set-up, some changes will be implemented, although a complete overall in playing style and preparation is certainly not on the cards.

"The game is always evolving, always changing, so it’s important to stay abreast of developments in the game," he adds.

"It’s also important to look at your personnel and get the best out of your players which is an eclectic mix of what you have and how you see the game going.

"We get going next week with the players, we will maintain things that have worked well, look to simplify things a bit and make sure that everyone understands 100% what their roles and responsibilities are and create an environment where the players are happy and can play their best rugby."

Everitt, admits that he’s looking forward to the campaign ahead.

"It’s a very exciting opportunity for me, it’s going to be challenging, but that’s what coaching is all about.

"Obviously it’s everyone’s ambition to get to the top and being involved with the Sharks now is a realisation of that goal.

"I’m looking forward to working with some of the guys I worked with in the past.”

Everitt has coached at under-19, under-21 and Vodacom Cup level at the Sharks for a number of years and was brought into the Sharks' 2008 campaign that ended with Currie Cup success.

"The Currie Cup has a lot of tradition and there is a plenty of pride at stake when teams play in this competition.

"There is a lot for the Sharks to gain in winning the Currie Cup.

"I was lucky to be involved in 2008 when the Sharks beat the Bulls in the final and I saw the effect it had on the city, so we’re under no illusions as to how important it is.”

He admits to being excited about the campaign ahead.
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