Plumtree's a South African at heart
Tue, 13 May 2008 15:31
Current Sharks assistant coach and future Head Coach John Plumtree said that it was an emotional time when he heard he would take charge of the Sharks from June 1 this year.
Plumtree will replace incumbent Sharks coach Dick Muir, who has been appointed as Springbok assistant coach under Peter de Villiers.
It was a sensible decision by the Sharks as Plumtree has been a hugely influential figure at the Sharks since joining them from Wellington at the beginning of 2007.
"All sorts of emotions went through my mind," he admitted on sharksrugby.co.za.
"When I left in 1997, I had the thought in the back of my mind that I would like to one day return to coach the Sharks.
"It's nice for a player who played a lot of games to come back and coach. Sharks rugby has been a big part of my life," added Plumtree.
Although a New Zealander, he has a real affinity with South Africa and along with his family, calls Durban home.
"I have real empathy for South African people, my family is South African and I now have the opportunity to continue the work I have done over the past couple of years along with Dick Muir and Grant Bashford and the entire management group," he said.
"My original plan was to stay for two years but I am excited about the talent here, I think we can win something.
"If I didn't like what was happening here, I wouldn't be staying on.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am not intimidated by the head coaching role, I did it for good couple years.
"I share the same philosophy with Dick [Muir] on how to run a team environment, and nothing much is going to change. The players must enjoy what they are doing and where they are playing," added the coach.
He does admit that his aspirations don't end with a head coaching role at Super 14 level.
"Coaching nationally is something that really interests me, who knows, if I do a good job here that could become a reality," he said.
He also points out that the Sharks will be looking to bolster the coaching staff and will initially look from within.
"We are looking at another coach and have a number of applicants," said the New Zealander.
"We will look to grow a local coach in the Currie Cup, which I think is important, and then in the Super 14 we will bring in someone with experience," concluded the experienced Plumtree.
