John Plumtree, the coach of South African Super Rugby team the Sharks, has left by mutual agreement.

New Zealander Plumtree was expected to depart at the end of the Super Rugby season after incoming chief executive and former South Africa captain John Smit chose not to renew his contract.

However, the Sharks said Tuesday that Plumtree would leave “with immediate effect” after discussions with team representatives.

Former Springboks international Brendan Venter, who coached Smit at English club Saracens, was appointed to take over as director of rugby at the end of the Super Rugby season.

The Sharks didn’t say if Venter would now step in earlier.

Plumtree won two Currie Cup titles as coach of the Durban-based Sharks to add to his two titles as a player.