Sean Everitt. (Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
- The Sharks have parted ways with head coach Sean Everitt, who resigned following their humiliating 35-0 loss to Cardiff at Kings Park on Sunday.
- Everitt, who served the union for nearly 15 years in various roles, left by “mutual consent” and “effective immediately.”
- New director of rugby Neil Powell takes over head coaching duties, assisted by Everitt’s coaching staff.
Sharks head coach Sean Everitt stepped down just 24 hours after his team suffered a humiliating 35-0 loss to Cardiff at Kings Park on Sunday.
In a sudden statement Monday, the Sharks said Everitt, who served the union for nearly 15 years in various roles, was leaving by “mutual consent” and “effective immediately.”
The latest development comes as the Sharks were navigating their new coaching structure, which included the promotion of former Blitzboks head coach Neil Powell from defense coach to director of rugby union.
Powell took the overall reins following the close of the Sevens World Cup in Cape Town in September, but his arrival did not immediately have the desired effect, as the Sharks struggled in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
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Neil Powell. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)
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Everitt, who led the Sharks to two Currie Cup final losses to the Bulls at Loftus and the URC semi-finals, where they were again beaten by Jake White’s men, said he is leaving “with no regrets.”
“This is a sad development for me and sometimes the results don’t always match the tireless effort that has gone into it,” Everitt said in the statement.
“I have been a part of this union for close to 15 years and have always had the best interests of this team in mind. I am leaving with no regrets.”
“I would like to thank the Sharks for the great memories and wonderful opportunities they have given me at the helm of this fantastic team. I wish the Sharks much success as the season progresses.”
Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee, who publicly apologized for the team’s dismal performance last Sunday, thanked Everitt for his service to the union.
“We thank Sean for his invaluable contribution to the Sharks over the past few years, especially as they navigate through a challenging period of COVID-19.
“He will always remain a part of the Sharks family. I would like to take this opportunity to wish him and his family the best in the future.”
“This decision has been made in the best interest of the team going forward.
“Our director of rugby, Neil Powell, will oversee the remainder of the United Rugby Championship campaign, as well as our first foray into the Champions League, which begins on December 10.
“Neil will be ably supported by the rest of our current senior coaching structure, which remains unchanged.”
