Veteran playmaker Lionel Cronje has taken up a coaching role at the Sharks.
The 35-year-old, who joined the Durban outfit in 2022, has begun working with the junior teams as backs and attack coach while still contributing as a player when called upon.
He brings 15 years of professional rugby experience to his new role, most recently during the 2024 Currie Cup clash against the Cheetahs. He scored 15 points and was named Man of the Match as he guided the Sharks to victory.
“It’s a good opportunity to give back to the youngsters and to the game that’s given me so much,” Cronje told the Sharks’ website.
“Something that’s come naturally to me is connecting with the players. Coming from a playing background, that’s really allowed me to be able to impart that knowledge onto them.”
The former Stormers, Lions, Brumbies, Kings and Toyota Verblitz pivot adds that working with the U19 and U21 squads has rekindled his passion for the game.
“You really forget, as you get older as a player, the excitement, the energy, the passion that these young guys bring – knowing that they’ve got their whole future ahead of them, their careers ahead of them,” Cronje said.
“Just to be able to have a small part in and having the responsibility to guide them through that process and trying to make sure that their dreams come alive is really exciting.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
