Star Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am has welcomed the appointment of John Plumtree as the new Sharks coach, saying he expects the New Zealander to help the team reach their full potential.

Plumtree, a former Sharks player himself, is returning to Durban for his second stint as coach after a previous spell in charge from 2008 to 2012 saw him steer the Kings Park team to two Currie Cup titles and a Super Rugby final.

Commenting on Plumtree’s return to Durban, Am, a rugby player of the year nominee in 2022 told TimesLive: “We all know John and the experience he has. He has been around for years.

“I’ve never worked under him before, so I’m really excited to get a different mindset and way that he will be bringing into the team.”

Since leaving the Sharks Plumtree has worked as the assistant coach of both the Irish and New Zealand National teams as well as taking charge of The Hurricanes. He will bring a wealth of experience with him to KZN, something that he will need if he hopes to meld a team of stars into a star team.

Plumtree will be assisted by a team that includes defence coach Joey Mongalo and Dave Williams as attack coach. Warren Whiteley and Philip Lemmer will take charge of the forwards while Phiwe Nomlomo will be in charge of kicking and exits.