The Durban-based franchise have won just one of their opening five games of the URC season despite a squad packed with internationals and Rugby World Cup winners.
The Sharks will seek to appoint a “technical coach consultant” to assist Plumtree for the remainder of the campaign, with the latter to take on an advisory role when he leaves the hot seat.
“Following a disappointing start to the season, the leadership team conducted a comprehensive review of The Sharks’ rugby structures, engaging multiple stakeholders across all levels of the operation,” the Sharks said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Management’s assessment is that the problem is multi-faceted; and we are clear that the long-term success of The Sharks will be best served by tackling issues across the organisation rather than relying on simple fixes.
“This process has informed the following immediate steps, with further updates to follow in the months ahead.
“John Plumtree will step down as Head Coach by mutual agreement at the end of the 2025/26 season. Plumtree retains the complete backing and support of ownership, management and players.
“To continue building on the significant contributions he has already made, he will move to a mentoring and advisory role.
“To support Plumtree in driving results over the remainder of the season, The Sharks will engage a technical coach consultant as a matter of urgency to provide input across on-field performance, with particular focus on the game model."
Plumtree commented “My priority has always been what’s best for the Sharks and that remains my focus”.
Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans said they could not ignore the results - or the performances - from this season.
“Our performances this season have not been good enough, and we owe it to our fans and stakeholders to acknowledge and take full responsibility - no excuses. That accountability sits across the entire organisation - from management and players, to myself as CEO,” Bryans said.
“As an ownership group and leadership team, we remain ambitious about the future of The Sharks and, over the coming months, no stone will be left unturned as we look to build a high-performance environment capable of delivering the success that our players are capable of and that our fans and partners deserve.”