Hugh Reece-Edwards will be assisting with the Sharks’ backline this Super 14, according to a news report.
The former head coach, fired after a disastrous 2000 Super 12 campaign (the Sharks finished last) has been recruited by his old mate John Plumtree. According to an official announcement on the Sharks website, Reece-Edwards will operate as a “consultant”, specialising in backline play. I guess this means that Chris Boyd will still be the official backline coach and goodness only knows what Grant Bashford’s role will be.
Reece-Edwards, capped 165 times and only recently supplanted by Albert van den Berg as the most-capped Shark of all time, was Springbok backline coach in 1997. Recent revelations in John Smit’s book reveal that the 2000 Super 14 campaign was derailed by Ollie le Roux and certain other senior players undermining the coach and putting their own objectives ahead of those of the team. It’s taken a long time for Reece to make his comeback – up until recently, he’s been the head coach at Westville.
It’s good to have you back, Reece. We’ll give further details about this as they emerge.

Has Ollie shot anything back at Smittie yet?
nice to see reece back, but we still need a psychologist/mental coach imho
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 1) : rumour has it that he hasn’t read the book yet.
Greedy f*cker probably ate his copy between two slices of bread
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 1) :
Yes – he apologised
Now that we are starting to get drips and drabs on the coaches – can we please have the team FFS!!
I really am thinking we’re gonna get a few surprises..something is cooking, and it’s not the Captain in the Cauldron! 😆
@robdylan (Comment 3) :
He did…
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 4) : i dont think anything is cooking in terms of a suprise to be honest, im not as keen as you to have dc in the tank
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 5) : I must’ve missed that… he apologised? Is that later on in the book?
@war1 (Comment 6) :
when you speak about DC, please use CAPITALS.. 😉
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 8) : OK
@robdylan (Comment 7) :
Nope Robbo – it was in an interview – I did not see it, but my sis saw it (or read it) that he said he was sorry that he was like that then.. 🙄
@robdylan (Comment 7) : I must have missed the apology.
So the Sharks finished LAST when he coached us and we`re supposed to be happy to have him back? WTF!!!?????
@war1 (Comment 6) : you’re Mr Grumpy these days 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 3) :
And Ollie is a big reader of books.
@Original Pierre (Comment 12) : he assisted ian mac as well, he was head coach at the worst possible time i think, read john smit’s book
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 10) : I don’t believe it.
@Original Pierre (Comment 12) : I don’t think Reece was ever really cut out to be head coach, but the Sharks backline looked great when he was Mac’s assistant, as did the Boks when he was backline coach in 97.
@robdylan (Comment 16) :
I believe it (that he apoligised), but I do not buy it..(the apology) 😉
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 10) :
Regarding your silver shark, my friend got it as a gift so doesnt know the origin but will try and find out. Another friend in the printing industry says he may be able to do iyt with aluminium foiling.?????
Will let you know if I hear anything.
@Salmonoid (Comment 14) : wow, all these closet Ollie fans on the blog. What gives?
@Salmonoid (Comment 18) :
I told Ice that you that you get them at the Sharks Cage – and you completely ignored me 🙁
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 17) : yes – I feel the same way
@rekinek (Comment 20) : 😳 i meant SHE completely ignored me – you seem to be innocent here
@Salmonoid (Comment 18) :
Thanks Sammy!
@robdylan (Comment 13) : i just dont think there is a new signing on the cards, if all our players are fit, we have a more than capable squad
@rekinek (Comment 22) :
I did not see it – sorry! Its not on the wensite, I know they have a 3d one with balck and white and silver – but thats not what I am lookinf for – The one I want, everything is silver?
Man Im in 2 minds about this – the memory of that 2000 season is not good but I have always been a huge Reece-Edwards fan.
Welcome back Hugh.
@war1 (Comment 24) : I think it’s a little late to sensibly make a high-profile signing. BUT, the good news is that the departure of Argie presumably frees up a considerable amount of funding…
@Salmonoid (Comment 26) : well, think of it this way, reece is an ian mac “disciple” if i can put it that way, im happy with this news
@robdylan (Comment 27) : i was thinking bout that, do we still pay him even if he is crocked, if not, i actually feel bad for the guy
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 25) : 😛 😛 😛 i felt a bit overlooked.
i know exactly which one you want.
I can always give you routes that my half is taking and you can try to scrap it off his car 😉
@war1 (Comment 29) : oh ja – that too. I guess we can’t really just stop paying him now
@robdylan (Comment 19) :
Hey rob, you know I dont like getting personal about players but in Ollies case I am willing to make an exception. I think he is a #$% &^$%.
I heard an interview with him and it came out that he is a big reader of books, he came across very well in the interview.
But not a fan.
@rekinek (Comment 30) :
Cool! Have not done some serious stalking in quite a while!
Okay – so who will go get me these badges at Shark Cage??? 😀 Anyone? ❓
@Salmonoid (Comment 26) :
OOOOPHHH – I remember that final very well – travelled over 800km to see it…needless i had a bit of DV in the stands after the final wistle.. 😳
@rekinek (Comment 20) : @rekinek (Comment 22) : 😎 . sorry I also didnt see your post. Now I can put “+” away.
@Salmonoid (Comment 35) :
“+” ?
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 36) :
Yesterday someone was to be crucified (I think it was you actually) Rekinek then stated that the only cross she could come up with was a “+”.
And I was getting ready to do the same to her but she appologised and I therefore put “+” away.
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 36) : did you not see this one either 🙄 🙄
@Salmonoid (Comment 37) :
Okay..
@rekinek (Comment 38) :
Hey! You picking on me?? 😆
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 39) : you’re talking to me (now you think about Robert De Niro) ….
@Salmonoid (Comment 37) : maybe you guys are taking this just a tad too seriously? 😉
@robdylan (Comment 31) : I’m sure the Unions have some sort of insurance for when players get injured….remember when Rory was suppose to play the friendly for the Boks invitational against Namibia and the Sharks refused saying that their insurance won’t cover Rory if he plays in that game…..something like that….does it ring a bell??
@robdylan (Comment 41) :
It is a bit medieval isnt it. Let me go and put those leg irons back in the dungeon.
I recon the Sharks should have rather looked at getting somebody from the outside (not rerated to Sharks rugby) to bring some new ideas into the Sharks set-up
@rekinek (Comment 38) : Something to do with this new name of hers.
@Salmonoid (Comment 45) : ohh yes
in future i need to be more understanding for disabled 😆
@Pokkel (Rugby’s over, back to fishing) (Comment 42) : it does, yeah
Perhaps….perhaps, with the Argies funds available end May, we can get Brussow end October :-0 :-):-):-)
@JustPlainSHARK (Comment 48) : that would be nice
Think we`d need to pay Brussow anything? Surely anyone would pay the Sharks to be able to move out of Bloem? But if wp just makes a house available to him, he`d come to Cape Town rather LOL
@JustPlainSHARK (Comment 48) :
Yeah!! and then there might be a deposit left for buying the pen to sign Dan too!
@Original Pierre (Comment 50) :
The More I think about Reece returning the more Im enjoying it.
So what s up with Bash then?
Wonder if I should approach wp rugby and offer to share my house with Brussow.
oh wait, what if they offer me season tickets at newlands!
Rather not me thinks. ..
@Original Pierre (Comment 50) : bloem is not that bad
@war1 (Comment 54) : You`re right, I can think of worse places. Like KY or Pretoria!
Cape Towns also not always that great a place to live, ask any number of sqautter living on the road verges and in the townships if you dont believe me.
@Salmonoid (Comment 56) : Maybe they should get on the bus back to East London then if their living arrangements aren`t so lekker. Voting is done why hang around here?
@Original Pierre (Comment 55) : even pretoria is not that bad, seems the haemophiliac horde are only let out on match days, or they live in rustenburg
@Original Pierre (Comment 57) :
Maybe in the desperate hope of getting a job.
@Salmonoid (Comment 59) : Oh there`s job creation because of this alright. ADT alarm and burglar proof companies are definately expanding
Me thinks this is gonna get a smack on the knuckles.. 🙄
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 61) : aggg man don’t be so sensitive 🙄
@Pokkel (Rugby’s over, back to fishing) (Comment 62) :
I am a woman – it’s in the genes.. 😉
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 61) : you are right
@robdylan (Comment 64) :
Bashford?
@Salmonoid (Comment 65) : what about him?
@robdylan (Comment 66) :
Is he still involved with the S14 squad now that Reece and Boyd are also there.
@Salmonoid (Comment 67) : oh right… I think so, but in a less important role, I would imagine. Maybe he gets to keep the balls pumped, or something.
@Salmonoid (Comment 67) : i think skills coach or something, correct me if im wrong
Sharks will soon have more staff than players.
@war1 (Comment 69) : yes, that’s probably right.
@Salmonoid (Comment 70) : and still no shrink…
@robdylan (Comment 71) : not that the sharks will officially confirm anything tho,
Ha ha! Just got banned from WTR:
“Info : Your IP address have been banned from this blog, if you feel this is in error please contact the webmaster.”
@war1 (Comment 72) : no. Guess their administrators are too busy playing golf
@robdylan (Comment 73) : such pity = it felt so at home with all you people there 😉
see plummo is looking for a 10 overseas 😯
@robdylan (Comment 73) : Who’s is WTR??
@willa (Comment 76) : where did you see that, dude?
@Pokkel (Rugby’s over, back to fishing) (Comment 77) : http://www.wetalkrugby.com
Careful, they’re touchy fellows
@robdylan (Comment 78) : in the beeld, he also said the only problem is the only ones available are past their prime
@willa (Comment 80) : well of course they are! Duh 🙂 look at what the Lions had to buy
@robdylan (Comment 81) :
but i think i would have taken carlos over dumond, everyone said tony brown was over and he did well for us
@willa (Comment 82) : I’m giving Monty my full backing this season. I think he’ll surprise us all
@robdylan (Comment 83) : It’s the right thing to do. It must be bad for a player if the supporters of the team he plays for, don’t back him. Ask Earl Rose.
@boepie (Comment 84) : LOL… but with him, it doesn’t matter WHICH team he plays for 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 83) :
no 10 that was in the winning super rugby team
1996 Blues – Carlos Spencer
1997 Blues – Carlos Spencer
1998 Crusaders -Andrew Mehrtens
1999 Crusaders -Andrew Mehrtens
2000 Crusaders – Andrew Mehrtens
2001 ACT Brumbies – Stephen Larkham
2002 Crusaders – Andrew Mehrtens
2003 Blues – carlos spencer
2004 ACT Brumbies – stephen larkham
2005 Crusaders – dan carter
2006 Crusaders – dan carter
2007 Bulls – derick houghard
2008 Crusaders – dan carter
2009 Bulls – morne steyn
So Mertehns is actually the one to get seeing that he was in the most finals ❓ 😆
I like the 2005 /2006 /2008 vintage..defnitely a good wine to invest in!
@willa (Comment 86) : interesting stat, but what are you trying to point out? Yes, I know Spencer has won the Super 12 3 times. But the last time was 7 years ago. His current form isn’t deemed good enough to be first choice at Gloucester!
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 87) :
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 87) : reckon the only one of those we could hope to afford is Derrick Hougaard 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 90) :
Let ME do the negotiations for the vintage, I have a convincingly good gift when it comes to pursuading… 😆
@robdylan (Comment 88) : not talking about spencer, every team that won had excellent international 10’s, not average cc players,the closest we came recently was with a world cup winning 10(butch 07)so what im pointing out is that im worried,
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 91) :
😯 😆
@willa (Comment 92) : oh, I see. Well, if the Bulls managed to win it with Hougaard and Steyn, I think we’ll be ok.
@willa (Comment 92) : ur worried we might not win the super 14 coz we dont have an excellent international 10, what about the mental fragility of the team, made clearly obvious last year
@robdylan (Comment 94) : they were both boks, do you see monty becoming a bok soon ❓ ❓ ❓
@robdylan (Comment 94) : i think monty is good enough
@war1 (Comment 97) : me too.
There are photo’s of the Sharks training in the Sports section on News 24
Willem Alberts is huge…
Percy and Butch watching the training.
@willa (Comment 96) : you think Hougaard should’ve been a Bok?
@willa (Comment 96) : to put that another way, do you have any idea how close BOTH of us were to getting a Bok cap when Straueli was coach? 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 101) :
@robdylan (Comment 100) : the only way i remember hougaard in a bok jersey is when brian lima nailed him so nicely
@Strait runner (Comment 99) : that last pic makes me think how good burden would do on 13 now 😆
@willa (Comment 102) : yes. Still have an item on my todo list that reads “buy Brian Lima a drink”
@willa (Comment 103) : we should play Keegan Daniel at 13
@Strait runner (Comment 99) : @willa (Comment 103) :
This sound seriously gay..checking out pics of okes.. 😈
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 106) : butchie’s in pink (ish)
@robdylan (Comment 101) :
Funny!!
The thing is, when Hougie first burst onto the scene he is just brilliant (as a 19 year old)
He should definitely have been a Bok at that stage and went to the 2003 RWC on merit.
What should be questioned is why were Louis Skoen and Braam Van Stadig Boks?? 😈 😆
I just got so opgewonde seeing Butch and Monty in the pics…and then saw they are just visiting.. 😕 🙂
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 109) : ya, that pic caught my attention, and not just the bright clothes
Looks like Percey’s shorts were once curtains or a table cloth.
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 106) :
He must be from Cape Town then!! 🙄 😯
@robdylan (Comment 105) : that would work,i also liked the idea of that, but whats the odds?
@McLovin (Comment 111) : 😆
Sheesh, Rory seriously needs to go to an image consultant – Robbo is right – he looks like a monkey! 😯
@robdylan (Comment 105) : charlie may object 😆
@rekinek (Comment 116) :
Ja!! You dont want the wrath of old Charlie on you!
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 115) : I dont think cosmetic surgery has advanced far enough yet to move his eyes further apart.
Rory looks like Corky from that tv programme. 😈
@McLovin (Comment 118) : 🙂
@McLovin (Comment 119) : Life Goes On?
@robdylan (Comment 121) : Yip. Obladi Oblada….
@McLovin (Comment 119) : @robdylan (Comment 121) :
It was ‘Mowy” op “More is nog ‘n dag”..
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 123) : yes, but the original English title was “Life Goes On”, I think… Did you not notice that their lips didn’t move in time with what they were saying? 🙂
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 123) : Interesting how they got to ‘Mowy’ from Corky when dubbing. 😆
@robdylan (Comment 124) : Aah the ‘good old days’ of dubbed tv. 🙄
@robdylan (Comment 124) :
I followed it in English even if it was dubbed in Afrikaans, as I read lips.. 😆
@robdylan (Comment 124) :
I know – was just saying.. 🙄 😉
‘Dis my geheim’ was quality tv.
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 123) : Ice you gonna invite me on Superbru once the season kicks off?
@Original Pierre (Comment 130) :
I always join SW SB – so if you are willing to lose against me – sure join up! 😈
BTW – I dont even know who your ARE, let alone have your e-mail! 😆
@McLovin (Comment 129) :
EK. IS. ‘N. SKOENMAKER. VAN. BEROEP…..”Span…julle het 3 minute….DONG!!! 😆
Desmond had a barrel in the marketplace…
Weird programme now that I think about it. Wonder what happened to Corky?
Molly was a singer in a band..
Really weird..
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 132) : Brilliant show. Keep it simple I say.
I got a DVD for Christmas entitled ‘My favourite 18 holes’ by Tiger Woods . Imagine my disappointment when it turned out to be a golf DVD!
🙄 😈
@wpw (Comment 136) :
@One-eyed Ice (Sailing the seas of 2010 with the Sharks) (Comment 131) : You can contact me through War1. He found me on FB LOL
But no I don`t think I`ll put my email address on here yet. What if those lions come looking for us? Or worse, something else happens to Ruan!?
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I am well flattered!
A sentence from this article has been “borrowed” (without credit, I fear, but who am I to split hairs) by Rugby365!
http://www.rugby365.com/tournaments/super14/news/2154140.htm