Exclusive: Sharks on the Rise as Powell and Plumtree Lead Success and Transformation

Things are looking up for the Sharks, both on and off the field, as the team heads into the 2025 rugby season with optimism and progress. 

Under the leadership of Director of Rugby Neill Powell and head coach John Plumtree, the Sharks have turned things around, positioning themselves in a much better place than they were a year ago. 

This transformation isn’t just seen in their results but also in their commitment to meeting South Africa’s transformation goals within the sport.

Meeting Transformation Targets

Transformation in South African rugby has been a central topic in recent years, and the Sharks have emerged as a model for how to balance competitive success with the broader need for inclusivity. 

Neill Powell, who has been at the helm of the Sharks since his arrival, emphasizes that the team is intentional about both recruiting a diverse squad and selecting the best players for each match. 

As Powell puts it: "At the Sharks, we are intentional about recruiting a squad that represents South Africa, but when it comes to team selection, we select the best, and more often than not, it turns out we are representative of a new South Africa."

The Sharks' strong performance in meeting transformation targets is a reflection of their location in a province rich with diverse rugby talent. Powell notes that the team’s recruitment strategy is informed by the desire to keep this talent within the region, thus strengthening not just the Sharks, but also the broader rugby landscape in the area.

While the Sharks are progressing, teams like the Lions and the Bulls have faced criticism for lagging behind on transformation efforts. In particular, questions have been raised regarding the Bulls’ lack of progress, with head coach Jake White showing little intent to make changes in this area.

Change in Performance for Sharks

Last year, the Sharks were in a precarious position, struggling near the bottom of the URC log. Fast forward to this season, and the team is on an upward trajectory, winning matches and showcasing a new level of form. Under the guidance of Plumtree and Powell, the Sharks have turned their fortunes around. 

"We've turned the ship around, but it's now a case of building momentum. We are happy with where we are. We know we can still be better in a few areas," he told SportsBoom.co.za. 

Powell attributes this positive change to the work done around team culture and environment over the past two years. He highlights the importance of building strong connections between players and management, as well as fostering team cohesion. The continuity in both coaching staff and core players has played a key role in this transformation. 

"We’ve done a lot of work around our team culture and our environment in the last two years, and we've created deeper connections between players, and between players and management. We are in our second season with the same coaching team and the core group of players, and it’s no secret that team cohesion and synergy is an important ingredient for team sports."

Looking ahead, Powell believes that the next two years will be crucial for the Sharks, as they aim to capitalize on the groundwork they've laid over the past few seasons. 

"I really think the next two years are actually where we will cash in on the work we’ve done over the past few years."

Juggling National Players at the Sharks

One of the unique challenges facing the Sharks is the delicate balance between their national commitments and club rugby. The presence of Springbok players in the squad, particularly during international windows, has at times affected the team’s performance and cohesion. Under Plumtree’s leadership, the Sharks have faced this issue head-on.

Powell explains that managing the demands of the national calendar is an ongoing challenge, one that requires constant communication with SA Rugby and other tournament organizers. 

"This is a challenge due to the rugby calendar, and we are continuously engaging with SA Rugby and tournaments we compete in, to find a balance that works for the players and the club."

Despite these challenges, Powell and Plumtree remain committed to fostering a successful club environment where players can thrive at both the domestic and international levels.