The Sharks have installed a pair of former Springboks as coaches for the 2022 Currie Cup competition which kicks off in January.

South Africa’s switch from Super Rugby to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship was part of a calendar shake-up where the domestic championship will run while the country’s four franchises are on duty against European opponents.

“To this end, we are happy to announce that current forwards coach and former Sharks and Springbok prop Etienne Fynn has been appointed as head coach for the Currie Cup campaign,” the Sharks said in a news release.

“Fynn is no stranger to coaching, having held the role of forwards coach over various Sharks campaigns in the past two years and his elevation to head coach in this campaign, is a step in the right direction.”

Renowned for taking multiple steps in the right direction, Sharks and Bok great JP Pietersen was unveiled as Fynn’s assistant coach.

“Pietersen not only brings vast playing experience and is well versed in what it takes to be successful, but is also highly respected by the players who can relate to him. His contributions and involvement in this campaign will be immense.”

Pietersen played 70 Tests for South Africa, including winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup final, and made almost 200 appearances for the Sharks during his career.

The remainder of Fynn’s management team includes Warren Whiteley (lineouts), Phiwe Nomlomo (off the ball and skills), Aksventi Giorgadze (scrums) and John McFarland (defence).

“We are confident that Etienne, JP and all the other coaches involved in this campaign will bring the best out of the Currie Cup squad and we remain committed to providing a strong platform for them to thrive,” said Sharks chief Eduard Coetzee.

The Sharks begin the 2022 Currie Cup in Durban when they host Griquas on 19 January.