Jake gives up on Bok return

Jake White has reiterated his desire to coach at international level again, but conceded that any opportunity to take on a role with the Springboks is no longer there.

Speculation emerged this week when the former World Cup-winning coach revealed in an interview with EWN, recorded on 12 February, that he would be willing to once again consider coaching the Boks.

However, on Monday, SA Rugby confirmed that they would be retaining Allister Coetzee as head coach, with Franco Smith coming in as assistant.

In a follow-up interview with Jo'burg PM, White – who will be out of contract in June – clarified his position.

‘There’s been a lot of speculation after the [Boks'] results of last year. There was a lot of talk coming out of SA Rugby that there might be some changes and big decisions to be made. I’ve said it many times, not only about South Africa, but that I’d like to coach internationally again. South Africa is obviously one of the teams that I know and understand, and have coached before, so I have said I’d be interested.

‘It would be a dream of mine to get back into the Test arena, but SA Rugby have confirmed they will stick with Allister and are bringing in a few other coaches, which is their prerogative. So that opportunity seems it is no longer there.’

Listen to the full interview

Photo: Pascal Guoy/AFP Images

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