Gold backs coaching staff

Cape Town - Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold is backing his new-look coaching team to benefit his side's Super Rugby charge in 2016.

Skills and attack coach Robert du Preez is no stranger to Sharks rugby, having been a key member during the successes of the famous 'Team of the 90s'.

He represented the Sharks in 63 matches between 1992 and 1998  - during which three Currie Cup titles were won.

"Having Robert du Preez with us in the coaching staff is fantastic," Gold told the franchise's official website.

"He brings a good edge, unbelievable knowledge, great attention to detail, fantastic ideas on attack as well, he’s really passionate about attack and I really like his work ethic. He’s a no-nonsense guy and everyone knows where they stand. So it’s exciting.

"And he’s a Shark, through and through – he’s played here, won trophies here and he’s excited to be home; it’s been brilliant to have him."

Defence coach Omar Mouneimne, who has exposure at provincial as well as international level, comes with a great deal of experience.

“He has a good couple of years under the belt, he’s travelled, was Nick Mallet’s defensive coach with Italy for four years. I worked with him in 2007 and 2008 when Rassie Erasmus brought hi

"He is a particularly passionate individual and has an attention to detail on the work that he does that is in a different league to what I've seen in this country - and that’s a compliment to Omar and not an insult to anyone else – and because he has a martial arts background he brings a real element of the collision," said Gold.

"That’s very valuable, as is his conditioning background, so he can marry the two very well. He brings incredible energy as well.

"Having Sean Everitt and Ryan Strudwick in the system already, with the two new guys who bring in a lot of energy is exciting for the guys."