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JP Pietersen, Sharks head coach
Photo: News24

Sharks Head Coach

JP Pietersen

Role
Head Coach
Team
Sharks
Nationality
South African
Age
40
In charge since
Feb 2026
Matches
13
Record W-D-L
6-0-7
Win rate
46.2%
Latest news

Record in our match database since Feb 2026

as of
  • 13 Matches
  • 6 Won
  • 0 Drawn
  • 7 Lost
  • 46.2% Win rate

JP Pietersen has overseen 13 completed Sharks matches in our database since February 2026 — 6 won, 0 drawn, 7 lost. That is a 46.2% win rate, with 346 points scored and 336 conceded.

Records are computed from the WeTalkRugby match database and cover matches we hold data for within this tenure. They are not an official all-time record.

Record by competition

— means no data from the provider
JP Pietersen, record by competition in our match database
CompetitionPWDLWin %PFPA
All matches · Sharks All competitions1360746.2%346336
United Rugby Championship Feb 2026 – Oct 20261160554.5%334253
Challenge Cup Apr 20261001not available1229
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Aug 20261001not available054

Last five matches

  1. Lost v Stormers 22–39 URC ·
  2. Won v Leinster 26–20 URC ·
  3. Won v Ospreys 41–24 URC ·
  4. Lost v New Zealand 0–54 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry ·
  5. Won v Zebre Parma 54–19 URC ·

Every match in our database

13 matches
United Rugby Championship 11P · 6W · 0D · 5L
  1. Lost v Stormers 22–39
  2. Won v Leinster 26–20
  3. Won v Ospreys 41–24
  4. Won v Zebre Parma 54–19
  5. Won v Benetton Rugby 46–7
  6. Lost v Edinburgh Rugby 28–33
  7. Lost v Ospreys 17–21
  8. Won v Cardiff Rugby 21–15
  9. Won v Munster 45–0
  10. Lost v Bulls 12–41
  11. Lost v Lions 22–34
Challenge Cup 1P · 0W · 0D · 1L
  1. Lost v Connacht 12–29
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 1P · 0W · 0D · 1L
  1. Lost v New Zealand 0–54

Career

  • Sharks Head Coach 2026– 13 matches in our data

About JP Pietersen

JP Pietersen is the head coach of the Sharks, a 2007 World Cup-winning Springbok wing confirmed permanently in the role in February 2026.

JP Pietersen is the head coach of the Hollywoodbets Sharks, confirmed permanently in February 2026 after ten weeks as interim. He is one of the most decorated players ever to coach the franchise.

Born in Stellenbosch in July 1986, he was a wing who made more than 180 appearances for the Sharks, with later spells at Panasonic Wild Knights, Leicester Tigers and Toulon. He won 69 Springbok caps, played at three World Cups, and was part of the 2007 winning squad — forming with Bryan Habana the most-capped Springbok wing partnership in history.

Coaching

He joined the Sharks coaching setup in February 2021 after retiring, working in age-group rugby before becoming head of the junior programme. He took charge of the first eight rounds of the 2024 Currie Cup campaign with a young squad, then moved onto the senior staff as attack coach. When John Plumtree stepped away in December 2025 he took over as interim, and was confirmed permanently in February 2026.

His appointment came as part of a wide high-performance restructure, with Rory Duncan as chief of staff, Dave Williams moving to GM High Performance, Neil Powell to junior rugby and Scott Mathie arriving from Edinburgh as attack coach.

Style

He is regarded as a calm, player-centred leader with a strong feel for the game and a track record of developing back-three talent. He has yet to win a trophy as a head coach.

As a player Wing. More than 180 appearances for the Sharks, plus spells at Panasonic Wild Knights, Leicester Tigers and Toulon. 69 Springbok caps, three World Cups and a winner’s medal in 2007, forming the most-capped Springbok wing partnership in history with Bryan Habana.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is the head coach of Sharks?

JP Pietersen is the head coach of Sharks.

When did JP Pietersen take charge?

JP Pietersen took over at Sharks in February 2026.

What is JP Pietersen's record?

From 13 matches in our database: 6 wins, 0 draws and 7 defeats — a 46.2% win rate.

What nationality is JP Pietersen?

JP Pietersen is South African.

How old is JP Pietersen?

JP Pietersen is 40 years old.