Cape Town - After five seasons with the Sharks, initially as an assistant coach and thereafter as head coach, Robert du Preez has parted ways with the KwaZulu-Natal franchise.
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In a press release on Wednesday, the Sharks confirmed earlier reports that Du Preez was to leave the union .
"This decision is a mutual one and both the Sharks and Du Preez have parted ways amicably.
"Robert remains a proud Shark, who represented this team as a former scrumhalf and held the head coach role in both the Currie Cup and Super Rugby competitions, in the latter taking the team to the knock-out rounds and quarter-final action in back-to-back campaigns.
"Last year, against all odds, the team caused a major upset in beating Western Province at Newlands to lift the Currie Cup trophy.
"The Sharks CEO, Gary Teichmann said: “The Sharks thank Robert for his contribution over the past few years and what he managed to achieve by moulding a young group of players. He leaves The Sharks with our good wishes for the next chapter in his coaching career.”
"Robert du Preez stated: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Sharks and I am proud of what we have achieved. I would have loved to put more silverware in the cabinet, but sometimes injuries to key players, the bounce of the ball or decisions going against your team prevents that. I look forward to the next phase of my coaching career and wish the team well for the future. They can always count on my support.”
