The Sharks partways with their coach and appoint a new CEO

The Sharks have confirmed that they have parted ways with coach Robert du Preez on the same day as they confirmed that Eduard Coetzee would be taking over from Gary Teichmann as the franchise's CEO.

Eduard takes over the reins from Gary Teichmann, who will bow out from his role after three years at the helm, having set plans in place and achieved several objectives during his tenure as CEO.

As a former player, Eduard Coetzee returned to The Sharks to take up the position of Chief Operating Officer in 2014 and in a short space of time has earned great respect as a leader and an astute businessman who brings a fresh and dynamic approach to the role. He believes strongly in the personal and skills development of people around him and he too practices this approach, which will see him receive his Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal later this year.

Head coach Robert du Preez has come under some scrutiny from the media and public this season as he continued to pick his out form son Robert du Preez over Curwin Bosch as the side's starting flyhalf. He was widely criticised as the Sharks also failed to perform to their potential boasting one of the best Super Rugby squads in the country. 

During his time at the Sharks du Preez won the Currie Cup with the Durban-based side finished eighth in Super Rugby in 2017 and 2018, while just sneaking into the playoffs this season before losing out in the quarter-finals.