The Sharks have confirmed the appointment of Neil Powell and John McFarland to the coaching team for the inaugural United Rugby Championship.

In a statement released on Friday, the Sharks explained that the move to north competition and participation in the URC has necessitated a change in approach and a firm commitment to assemble an experienced and highly skilled coaching unit, who will assist head coach Sean Everrit in the effective execution of our playing objectives.

To this end, the Sharks have bolstered Everitt’s management team with former Ireland U20 and Leinster Academy manager Noel McNamara, who will head up the Sharks attack, while Blitzboks coach Neil Powell will take over as defence coach in 2022 after the Sevens World Cup. In the interim, that department will be run by former Springbok defence coach John McFarland.

Commenting on the new coaching appointments, Sharks chief Eduard Coetzee said: “We are pleased to have secured the expertise of these experienced coaches who not only have great coaching pedigrees, but are good people, who will fit seamlessly into our culture here at the Sharks.

“The result of the Rainbow Cup final played in Treviso is a timely warning that South African rugby cannot adopt a conservative outlook, and with this in mind it is exciting to welcome these coaches to our Sharks coaching team, as they will impart their knowledge of the northern hemisphere conditions and style of play, as we prepare for our participation in a new tournament.

“We have identified areas of our game that we want to improve in and will be announcing further coaching appointments in the coming weeks. We are confident that we’ve assembled a high-level technical team, who will support our head coach in the effective execution of our playing DNA, and which reaffirms our commitment of creating a winning mindset across all spheres of our business”, added Coetzee.

Etienne Fynn (forwards) and Phiwe Nomlomo (skills) will retain their coaching roles in the senior team set-up, whilst Brent Janse van Rensburg has requested an early exit from his contract due to family reasons.

Photo: Supplied