England-linked White going nowhere, say Brumbies

Australia’s ACT Brumbies said yesterday their World Cup-winning coach Jake White would not be leaving them for the vacant England job.

White, who masterminded South Africa’s World Cup triumph in 2007, has been linked to the England position after Martin Johnson’s resignation in the wake of his side’s controversial World Cup in New Zealand last month.

White, 48, dropped a hint on Sunday that he would welcome an approach to succeed Johnson.

“I’m sure if an opportunity came about, it’s something I’d like to do again,” White told BBC Radio 5.

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said White still had international rugby ambitions, but not before his four-year contract with the Canberra-based Super 15 franchise was carried through.

“Whenever anyone asks him if he’s interested in international jobs, he’ll forever say yes,” Fagan said. “But he’s not talking about now.”

Fagan said White, who took up his new position at the Brumbies in May, reaffirmed his commitment to the organisation yesterday.

“He called me into his office and said I just want to clarify that I’m 100 per cent committed,” Fagan said.

“He’s made it clear to us. I wasn’t concerned by the articles. I see it more that we’ve got a World Cup-winning coach so with his credentials, whenever there’s a vacant job, his name will be linked to it.”