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White to quit, eyes England job
October 16, 2007 JAKE White is set to step down as South Africa's national rugby coach if the Springboks triumph in this Saturday's World Cup final against England.
White said the title of world champions had been his ultimate ambition ever since he took over three years ago and he was cool on the idea of being moved upstairs after the tournament.
“When I took over as coach, I said I really wanted to win the World Cup,” he said.
“That was part of my first speech to the guys in 2004 when I got the job. If this group wins, it is the most I can achieve.”
White's contract is due to expire at the end of the year and SA Rugby has already advertised the position which is something of a political hot potato in the post-apartheid era.
The 43-year-old had been expected to reapply for the position but his latest comments are his strongest indication he will turn his back on the Springboks.
Asked about the idea of taking up a new position of director of rugby, White said: “I don't think so. At this point I don't even want to think about it.”
White has been a frequent target of sniping by provincial rugby administrators and has been come under fire from central government over the continued dearth of black players in the team.
He has been widely linked as a possibility of taking over from john Connolly as Australia coach, but in an apparant snub, White told a British newspaper he would love to coach England if the opportunity arose.
White praised the passion and talent of the England team ahead of their meeting at the Stade de France in Paris.
“If England came to me with a proposal to coach them one day, I'd be crazy not to accept it,” he told The Guardian, adding South Africa's and England's rugby culture have much in common.
“There are a huge amount of similarities between England and South Africa. We have both come through tough times and, apart from these last few weeks, they've really not done well since winning the World Cup.
“But England have got massive potential, some real stars and plenty of exciting young players coming through. And there is so much desire and passion in English rugby that I'd have to be tempted.”
It is unlikely though that the job would be offered to White as England's unexpected run to the World Cup final means that coach Brian Ashton will almost certainly be kept on and offered a new contract.
Agence France-Presse