"John is recognised as one of the most successful and respected leaders in our country," Stephen Saad, Chairman of the Sharks Board of Directors, said of the 2007 World Cup-winning Springbok captain.

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"We are grateful for his contribution in guiding the Sharks through a period of transition over the past three years.

"I am pleased to say he will remain closely associated with the organisation, maintaining a series of key relationships."

Smit said: "It was an honour for me to represent the Sharks on the field, and it has been an honour for me to work for the Sharks off the field.

"I have enjoyed the last three years and greatly appreciate the continuing support of our chairman Stephen Saad, KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union President Graham Mackenzie and the rest of the board.

"This decision to resign was not an easy one and it is based primarily on me wanting to focus more of my time on my young family.

"I look forward both to the next challenge in my career and to remaining a frequent visitor to Kings Park, my home from home since I was 18 years old."

The process leading to the appointment of a new CEO has commenced.

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