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Cape Town - Axed Sharks coach John Plumtree says he felt "hurt" by the manner in which he was let go by the union but admitted the Sharks will always be close to his heart.
Plumtree was recently fired by new Sharks CEO John Smit, and was left disappointed after hearing about the union's interest to dismiss him via the media.
He also had a verbal agreement with outgoing Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl that he would remain at the helm for at least the next two years. Therefore, when Smit sacked him, Plumtree sought legal advice and threatened to sue the Sharks unless they pay him out for the two years.
After a meeting with Smit last week, the Sharks were forced to cough up for the next two years. Plumtree's original contract was due to conclude at the end of this year.
"The last while was a very emotional time for me and my family. (And) yes, the manner in which I finished here did hurt very much," he told the Beeld website.
"This place (Kings Park) was such a big part of my life for 20 years. I was an inexperienced New Zealander when I arrived and it was just unbelievable to experience the passion for Natal rugby.
"I gave my all for this jersey as a player and also as coach - therefore I don't even consider myself a Kiwi anymore, but a proud South African and Natalian.
"The Sharks will always be a part of me and I'm passionate about them. Here I had a lot of good and bad times. I will therefore not even consider coaching any other team in South Africa.
"Who knows, maybe I'll come back here one day as coach of an overseas team," said Plumtree, who confirmed that he will work as a rugby analyst on pay-channel SuperSport.
Plumtree was recently fired by new Sharks CEO John Smit, and was left disappointed after hearing about the union's interest to dismiss him via the media.
He also had a verbal agreement with outgoing Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl that he would remain at the helm for at least the next two years. Therefore, when Smit sacked him, Plumtree sought legal advice and threatened to sue the Sharks unless they pay him out for the two years.
After a meeting with Smit last week, the Sharks were forced to cough up for the next two years. Plumtree's original contract was due to conclude at the end of this year.
"The last while was a very emotional time for me and my family. (And) yes, the manner in which I finished here did hurt very much," he told the Beeld website.
"This place (Kings Park) was such a big part of my life for 20 years. I was an inexperienced New Zealander when I arrived and it was just unbelievable to experience the passion for Natal rugby.
"I gave my all for this jersey as a player and also as coach - therefore I don't even consider myself a Kiwi anymore, but a proud South African and Natalian.
"The Sharks will always be a part of me and I'm passionate about them. Here I had a lot of good and bad times. I will therefore not even consider coaching any other team in South Africa.
"Who knows, maybe I'll come back here one day as coach of an overseas team," said Plumtree, who confirmed that he will work as a rugby analyst on pay-channel SuperSport.
