Natal Sharks defence coach Omar Mouneimne has been released from his contract in Durban after he agreed to take up an assignment with Stade Francais. The much travelled Mouneimne had a fantastic impact on the Sharks this year in Super Rugby (they went from being one of the worst defensive sides in SR 2015 to being one of the best in 2016), but has now agreed to return to the Northern Hemisphere.
Under Mouneimne, the Sharks conceded only 20 tries in 12 games before the international break (and 16 in 4 after the break), and were the best defensive side going into the Super Rugby playoffs.
The Sharks have not named a replacement, but will use their existing coaches to continue the patterns devised by Mouneimne.
Several ex-Sharks players ply their trade for Stade, key among them being hooker Craig Burden, loose-forward Willem Alberts and utility back Meyer Bosman.