The Sharks Announce New High Performance Structure and Leadership Appointments
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Following a comprehensive and objective review and restructuring of their High Performance System, The Sharks have confirmed a series of strategic appointments across both the rugby programme and executive leadership structure, reinforcing the Club’s commitment to sustainable high performance, organisational alignment and long-term commercial growth.
The Sharks controlling owner Marco Masotti commented: “We want to be special. Our goal is a rugby business that ensures that The Sharks compete for a trophy in every competition that we play in including the Investec Champions Cup and likely World Club Cup. Our High Performance Plan addresses the many facets and challenges of our rugby business. It draws on the storied history of The Sharks and our unique culture and ambition to take our club into the future.”
Rugby Programme Update and Changes
JP Pietersen appointed Permanent Head Coach: Following a successful spell in an interim capacity, JP Pietersen has been appointed permanent Head Coach of the Hollywoodbets Sharks with immediate effect.
Shaun Bryans, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “JP’s appointment is a natural progression and a decision we are extremely confident in. He has proven that he is the right man for the job, building on the strong foundations laid down by his predecessor. This is the start of a new and exciting era of Sharks Rugby, founded on mutual respect, passion and pride in what this jersey has meant over the years and what it will continue to stand for. JP has brought a renewed focus on clarity, accountability and strong alignment within the playing group. Performance matters, and the improvement we have seen over the past two months is measurable and tangible.
More importantly, he understands the standards and identity of this organisation. This appointment provides stability while allowing us to continue building a clear and consistent performance model.”
JP Pietersen added that this appointment was a deeply personal moment and one he has accepted with a clear sense of responsibility and purpose.
“This jersey has shaped who I am. The Sharks have given me everything in my career, so to be entrusted with leading this team is something I do not take lightly. I am incredibly proud, but more than that, I am hungry to keep pushing this group forward”.
Scott Mathie will join as Attack Coach: Scott will join the Hollywoodbets Sharks as Attack Coach from Edinburgh Rugby next season, bringing valuable experience within the United Rugby Championship environment.
Bryans added: “Scott strengthens our technical capability and adds further depth to our coaching group. We are focused on building a balanced, modern coaching structure that competes consistently at URC level. Having grown up in Durban, Scott has a deep connection to Durban and The Sharks, where he has over 40 caps as a player. His international experience in the United States and Europe will further strengthen our URC coaching line up.
Dave Williams will assume the newly created General Manager role, with accountability for the strategic direction and operational oversight of all High Performance functions servicing Senior and Junior Rugby, ensuring alignment across recruitment and player pathway structures to support the long-term competitiveness of the Sharks.
Neil Powell has been appointed Head of Junior Rugby, with responsibility for managing all the Junior Rugby departments and staff, including participation in the Under 20 Cup, The Sharks Academy and Sharks Women’s Rugby. He has a mandate to identify, develop, prepare and improve young Sharks rugby players for the demands of the professional game and assist with the player pathway development.
Following the comprehensive High-Performance review, and consultation with key stakeholders, The Sharks will implement a revised professional rugby structure designed to enhance communication, strategic alignment, and on-field performance outcomes.
The new structure will support both the Senior and Junior rugby programmes and will comprise the following departments:
- Medical Health & Recovery
- Athletic Performance
- Data, AI & Analytics
- Operations & Logistics
- Technique & Skills (New)
- Player Affairs & Culture (New)
The addition of the Technique & Skills and Player Affairs & Culture departments reflects a strategic commitment to holistic player development, technical excellence, and enhanced athlete support structures.
Executive Leadership Update
Rory Duncan appointed Chief of Staff: Alongside the rugby system changes, the Club has confirmed the appointment of Rory from June 2026 to support its long-term growth ambitions. Duncan previously served as CEO of the Toyota Cheetahs, where he led the organisation through a period of structural change while strengthening operational resilience and commercial foundations.
In his new role, Duncan will focus on strategic coordination, governance alignment and execution across all aspects of the business.
Bryans commented: “Rory brings proven executive leadership experience within professional rugby. His appointment strengthens our operational discipline and ensures tighter alignment between strategy and delivery.”
A Modern, Globally Ambitious Organisation
The Sharks are positioning themselves as a modern professional sport and entertainment business built on three pillars:
- Consistent high performance on the field, designed to delight our fans
- A robust and aligned talent pathway
- Sustainable commercial growth and global relevance
Bryans concluded: “Our objective is clear. We are building a high-performance rugby programme supported by a strong commercial engine.
This is not about short-term reaction. It is about disciplined execution, long-term stability and ensuring the Hollywoodbets Sharks compete and grow at the highest level of professional rugby.”
