Everitt sheds light on Brendan Venter’s new Sharks role
The former Springbok was previously employed as director of rugby at the Sharks in 2013 when he coached them to the Currie Cup title.
Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee and new consultant Brendan Venter watch proceedings at training in Durban this week. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Sharks coach Sean Everitt has shed more light on Brendan Venter’s role at the Durban franchise.
Venter was spotted at a Sharks training session at Kings Park earlier this week, with reports indicating that he was set to be named technical director.
While addressing reporters in an online media briefing on Thursday, Everitt confirmed that Venter had linked up with the Sharks.
“Brendan is more of a consultant than a technical advisor,” Everitt said. “I think it is good for us as coaches to have someone to bounce ideas off from the outside. He looks at the game from an external point of view out of the group with no emotions.
“He is pretty much a soundboard for me. He has really good advice to offer but, at the same time, we will lean on him with certain questions.
“It is truly great to bring him on board. He knows the Sharks set-up really well after being here in 2013. He is popular among the players, so it is good to have him here to bounce ideas off.”
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Venter was previously employed as director of rugby at the Sharks in 2013 when he coached them to the Currie Cup title.
However, he was unable to continue in the role due to his responsibilities with his medical practice in Strand in the Western Cape.
The 54-year-old has had coaching stints at London Irish, Saracens and is a former defence coach of the Italian national side. He’s also served in technical advisory roles for SA Rugby, including assisting Dawie Theron during the victorious 2012 World Rugby Under-20 Championship that SA the Junior Springboks won.
A former midfielder, Venter represented the Cheetahs, Stormers and London Irish and also played 17 Tests for the Boks between 1994 and 1999.
Venter’s presence will be welcomed at the Sharks, especially with attack coach David Williams set to leave for Bath in England later this year.
A weekend newspaper report also indicated that Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell will join the Sharks as attack coach after next year’s Sevens Rugby World Cup.
The Sharks are next in action when they tackle the Lions in a preparation series encounter at Ellis Park on Saturday.
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