Blitzboks coach Neil Powell appointed Sharks’ Director of Rugby

Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee has announced a change to the organisation’s rugby structure that will be effective from the 2022/2023 season with Neil Powell joining the Durban side.

This development has been implemented to ensure sustainable success for the Sharks.

Powell will provide the best and most effective support structure for coaches Sean Everitt, Etienne Fynn said Coetzee.

Neil Powell appointed Sharks’ Director of Rugby

Neil Powell will take on the role of The Sharks Director of Rugby from this September. However, the Blitzboks guru will complete his coaching commitments with the Blitzboks at the Sevens World Cup.

Commenting on the appointment, Coetzee explained: “Neil Powell is an unbelievable human being and what he has developed and achieved with the Blitzboks has been phenomenal.

Coetzee added: “He has inculcated a strong work ethic and a sound culture at the Blitzboks where accountability and respect is at the fore.

“As Director of Rugby at The Sharks, Neil Powell will oversee our entire on-field rugby programme. He will support the various coaching teams within our set-up. He will be responsible for driving on-field high performance, team culture, standards. Powell will ensure that there is a thorough process and a blueprint developed to achieve sustainable success at the highest level.

“Sean Everitt remains as head coach of the senior team and Sean will benefit from Neil’s experience, guidance and support as well as the operational structures that Neil will implement to ensure an optimal high performance working environment, which in turn drives performance on the field.”

Well-oild machine

Powell built a tight-knit squad at the Sevens, creating a well-oiled machine that has enjoyed great success on the international circuit. It is envisaged that Powell will add his unique style, vast knowledge and extensive experience of driving a culture of accountability to what is already in place at The Sharks and help to make this the best performing rugby structure.

“After a nine-year stint with the Blitzboks this is a new challenge,” stated Neil Powell.

“For my personal development and an exciting opportunity that has been presented to me that I gladly accept with great honour,.

“The Sharks is an unbelievable brand.

“I’m looking forward to working with the likes of Ed and Sean.

Powell said the Sharks “already have a strong vision of where they want to go in the future.”

The Blitzboks coach added: “If I can contribute in any way to achieving that vision that would be great.”

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“I am looking forward to the challenge and how I can positively contribute to making this franchise hugely successful not just in South Africa, but globally as well. This will be a collective effort by every person involved in the set-up.”

Coetzee added, “This is a hugely exciting time for The Shark.

The Sharks boss believes Powell “will ensure that everyone is aligned in terms of our vision moving forward.

“I’m extremely positive about this development, and Neil Powell has my full support as well as the support of The Sharks board.”