Richardson to leave Sharks, Cronje to switch to coaching role

In personnel movements at the Shark Tank, Dylan Richardson is bidding farewell to join Edinburgh, while veteran flyhalf Lionel Cronje is moving into a coaching role with the Sharks’ junior teams.

Cronje, who played a significant role in the Sharks’ victorious Currie Cup campaign last year, has not completely hung up his boots and will play if required.

The loss of the 26-year-old Richardson is unfortunate given that he has been at Kings Park since he left school at Kearsney College, but it makes sense that he wants to join a Scottish club given his ambition to win a regular spot in the Scotland team.

Richardson, who is at home at flank and hooker, has been capped six times for Scotland and played off the bench when his team last year lost to the Springboks last November.

He joins an Edinburgh team that is coached by his old Sharks Under-19 coach, Sean Everitt.

“I’m incredibly excited for this next chapter in my career,” Richardson said. “Moving to Scotland and joining a club with such a strong history and passionate support base is a massive opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to embracing the new environment, challenging myself both on and off the field, and contributing to the continued success of Edinburgh.”

When the offer of a two-year deal was put in front of Richardson, he had no hesitation to reunite with Everitt.

“Coach Sean has played a significant role in my development as a player, and I’m looking forward to working under his leadership again,” said Richardson.

“His belief in my abilities and his vision for the team made the decision to join Edinburgh an easy one. I have a lot of respect for him as a coach and as a person, and I’m excited to be part of what he’s building at the club.”

Everitt said on the Edinburgh website: “We’re thrilled to welcome a player of Dylan’s quality. He is a strong and dynamic player who brings plenty of experience from his time with the Sharks (he played 60 times for the Durbanites) and his international appearances for Scotland. His versatility, being able to play both hooker and in the back row, will be a real asset for us.

“Having worked with Dylan previously, I’m very familiar with his game, and I know he will be a good fit culturally. He fits the profile of the squad we’re trying to build here at Edinburgh, and we’re excited to welcome him to the club this summer.”

The 35-year-old Cronje has vast experience to impart to the youngsters coming through the ranks at the Sharks. Over his 15-year career, he has played all over the rugby world — the Stormers, Lions, Brumbies, Southern Kings, Toyota Verblitz (Japan), and has had two stints with the Sharks.

Cronje will serve as attack and backline coach with the Under-19 and Under-21 squads but will be available to the Currie Cup squad as a player if needed.

“It’s a good opportunity to give back to the youngsters and to the game that’s given me so much,” Cronje said.

“Something that’s come naturally to me is connecting with the players. Coming from a playing background allows me to convey that knowledge to them.”

Cronje says working with excited young players has given him a new lease on life.

“You forget, as you get older as a player, the excitement, the energy, the passion that these young guys bring because they know they’ve got their whole future ahead of them,” Cronje said.

“Just to be able to have a small part in their future, and having the responsibility to guide them through that process while trying to make their dreams come alive is exciting.”