The Sharks have announced the appointment of Chris Boyd from New Zealand as assistant coach for the Vodacom Super 14 in 2009.
“Chris comes with an established pedigree having worked with coach John Plumtree at the Wellington Lions,” says Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl. “Since John’s own appointment we have seen the emergence of a remarkable game dominance by the forwards and his quiet, authoritative style has seen the Sharks at last come of age in the Absa Currie Cup.
“Chris brings nearly 20 years’ experience with the Wellington franchise, across their B provincial team through club and then four years as assistant coach in the provincial competition,” explains Sharks head coach John Plumtree.
“His achievements extend to the confidence shown by IRANZ (former All Black Murray Mexted’s academy) where he was a coaching facilitator. “He was largely instrumental in the mentoring, coaching and development of current All Blacks Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Cory Jane and Piri Weepu.
He will add huge value to The Sharks.” There is no doubt that Plumtree rates Boyd highly and his success with a high-calibre line up of All Black backline players means his skills and experience will be used to extend the solid foundation already established in the forwards. Boyds is currently employed by SPARC, a New Zealand organisation that employs people to assist sporting bodies in the coaching of coaches for team sports.
