As Super Rugby Pacific sides scramble to find a new coach for next season, another Kiwi has been snapped up overseas.
Former All Blacks assistant John Plumtree has been unveiled as head coach of the Sharks in South Africa.
Less than a year after being sacked by NZ Rugby, Plumtree returns to Durban, where he previously coached and played.
He led the Sharks to two Currie Cup titles, and a Super Rugby final appearance in 2012, but lacklustre 2013 season saw his contract not renewed.
Plumtree joined Kiwi Joe Schmidt at Ireland as forwards coach, before becoming an assistant at the Hurricanes for three seasons.
Another assistant gig followed at Japan as defence coach, before taking over the Hurricanes for just one season in 2019.
Plumtree joined All Blacks coach Ian Foster's staff in 2020, before he was let go, alongside Brad Mooar in 2022 following the historic series defeat to Ireland.
But his return to Durban will be welcomed news for Sharks fans, and will serve as uncharted territory for him in the United Rugby Championship and Heineken Champions Cup.
Plumtree will take over the coaching duties from Neil Powell next year, who will resume his director of rugby role at the franchise.
He is looking forward to getting stuck in, and is determined to help the underperforming Sharks overcome their finals hump.
"Durban has always been my home away from home for many years and I have the fondest memories of my time here both as a player and a coach," Plumtree said. "I look forward to returning to the Sharks set-up and working with a talented group of players.
"The Sharks are a proud global brand and naturally everyone associated with the brand wants results. Excellence is a non-negotiable and I am fully committed to doing everything I can to achieve our objectives and make our fans proud."
