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Cape Town - New Sharks coach Robert du Preez wants the team to play a brand of rugby that will make their fans proud.
Du Preez, himself a former Sharks scrumhalf, joined the Durban side’s coaching staff this month after a successful stint with the Leopards, who he led to the Currie Cup First Division title this year.
He will be an assistant coach during Super Rugby and will head up next year’s Currie Cup tournament.
Under the tutelage of Director of Rugby Gary Gold, the Sharks had a torrid 2015 season.
After a disappointing Super Rugby campaign in which they finished 11th on the overall log, things took a turn for the worse for the Sharks. They failed to reach the Currie Cup semi-finals, and their four victories came against the competition’s also-rans - the EP Kings (2), Pumas and Griquas.
Du Preez, who played seven Tests for the Springboks between 1992 and 1993, is eager to instil pride back into the black and white jersey.
He was quoted as saying on the Sharks’ Facebook page: "We need to play a brand of rugby that we are proud of. We have a unique situation in Durban, and at the Sharks, where we have fantastic fans. Everything comes back to the values that we stand for. We need to turn disappointment into delight!"
The Sharks also appointed defence coach Omar Mouneimne, who has enjoyed success at the EP Kings, Edinburgh and Italy.
