Friday Round-Up

Sharks appoint duo: Super Rugby outfit the Sharks have today confirmed the appointments of both Gary Gold and Brendan Venter to their new look coaching structure ahead of next season. Currently head coach at Japanese Top League outfit the Kobelco Steelers, Gold has signed a three year deal with the Durban based outfit, right through until the close of the 2017 season. 47 year old Gold, who has also held positions at Aviva Premiership outfit Bath along with being an assistant coach in the Springbok setup, will take on the role of director of Rugby. Brendan Venter meanwhile, will become a technical director at Kings Park, once again linking gup with Gold, with whom he spent time with at English side London Irish. Having previously worked at the Sharks on a consultancy basis, Venter returns to Durban to offer his expertise, in a role much the same as his previous one at London based side Saracens. Speaking of his appointment, Gold said it was an exciting career opportunity and fantastic for him to be able to move his family back home, while CEO John Smit had many words of praise for the work Brendan Venter did during his short time at the club in previous years.

Japan in Super Rugby: The SANZAR governing body has today taken the decision to select Japan as the preferred candidate for the 18th Super Rugby team, when the competition undergoes an expansionary period in 2016. SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters confirmed the decision in the early hours of Friday, reiterating that this decision was a significant step in the development and evolution of both the game of rugby and the Super Rugby competition more specifically. Having received highly attractive bids from representatives from both Japan and Singapore, the Japanese bid ultimately won out, with the growing strength of their domestic Top League undoubtedly a decisive factor. While Singapore were refused entry on this occasion, Peters said their bid was both compelling and hugely attractive, and that they would be considered for the next expansion, should there be one. SANZAR will now being working exclusively with the Japanese Rugby Football Union ahead of the proposed entry to Super Rugby in 2016.

Ryan Sheady