Super Rugby
Gary Gold takes charge of Sharks
ESPN Staff
October 24, 2014
Bath coach Gary Gold barks instructions at training, Bath training session, Farleigh House, Bath, England, August 21, 2012
Gary Gold will take charge of the Sharks © Getty Images
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Former Newcastle and Bath coach Gary Gold is the Sharks' new director of rugby.

Jake White left the Sharks in September after just one year in charge of the Durban franchise and despite interest from John Mitchell, CEO John Smit has opted for ex-Springboks assistant coach Gold. Gold is currently in Japan coaching the Kobelco Steelers but he has agreed to return to South Africa and will take charge of the Sharks on a three-year deal.

"Gary is an experienced coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and an impressive level of commitment to his new role," Smit said. "Having worked closely with him in the Springbok set-up, I found him to be approachable with a high regard for player welfare and management as well as meticulous attention to detail in regard to the game. We are delighted that he has agreed to join The Sharks family."

Gold added: "It is a massive honour and really humbling to be considered for such a position. I see it as a really exciting career opportunity, and it's fantastic to be able to move home where my family is. But it was important for me to sort everything out with my Japanese club, and fortunately they were very understanding."

Gold will be joined at the Sharks by Brendan Venter who will take on a consultancy role. Smit said of Venter: "The team environment he created and the success he achieved with us in a short space of time speaks volumes about his character, commitment and general rugby acumen. As I have previously stated, we will do whatever we can to keep him involved with us for as long as possible."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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