Bemused But Unwavering – John Plumtree Promises Full Effort as Sharks Move Him On

Sharks coach John Plumtree may be bemused by the decision of the franchise's management to announce, in mid-season, that he will be fired from his post at the end of the campaign, but he is determined to bring a perfect attitude to the remainder of his tenure in charge of the star-studded team.

The Sharks announced a month ago that Plumtree would be standing down as head coach at the end of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season, which will resume this weekend after a month's break for the Autumn International Series.

The New Zealand-born former All Blacks assistant coach will move into a mentorship and advisory role.

Despite, or some would say because of, having numerous Springboks on their roster, the Sharks have generally under-performed in the URC and are currently 13th in the standings, having won just one of their five matches.

But they have at least 10 games remaining, more if they finish in the top eight and make the playoffs, as well as Champions Cup rugby to negotiate. It leaves Plumtree in the awkward situation of having to coach a team for six months when everyone knows he won't be holding the reins after that.

"I've certainly had time to think about how I'm going to handle it. It is a pretty unusual situation, usually you're just told you're not coach anymore and you're out the door straight away, but I get to carry on," Plumtree told SportsBoom.co.za on Friday.

"But since I was 22 years old and a player, I've been at the Sharks. They are my team, the team I love the most and that won't change. So I'm grateful for any opportunity to serve the team. But there are no guarantees in this job and you're judged by things that are not in your control."

"Coaching this team is not for the faint-hearted because it's always very tough handling the Springbok rest periods with the number of internationals we have, and when I first came in for the URC, I thought the squad was not strong enough. I feel we have a better roster now and that's what I'm most proud of. But the contracting model will have to look different."

"In the meantime, I will keep going until I stop. Right now I am still here and very much committed to do my best. It has been emotional, because we all have our pride and it has not been easy. But I always go back to what this team means to me and I still have the opportunity to coach some players I believe will have a significant role in the Sharks' future," Plumtree said.

Terrible recruitment

While many believe Plumtree is carrying the can for the terrible recruitment done by others in the Sharks organisation, which exacerbates the awfully difficult job all South African URC coaches have in terms of juggling a year-long season with a player cap and Springboks regularly being unavailable, he is clearly taking the high road.

"Leaving this post with my head held high is the most important thing for me. My late mother said I must always do my best, and I really think I have. At this level, we all have a role to play and it's important that I show the sort of leadership I pride myself on, I promised the boys that I am here to finish the season strong."

"We take it one game at a time, but the challenge is all the changes you have to make every week. We don't make those decisions about who is available, we just have to deal with it. It feels like you're coaching the Barbarians, there's a lack of consistency and we don't have the cohesion we want."

"But the spirit in the team is good and I just have to make sure my mood is where it needs to be, and the other coaches and management around me too," Plumtree concluded.