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One of the most unsurprising and widely assumed appointments in Australian rugby this year, was confirmed yesterday, with the Brumbies announcing World Cup-winning, former South African coach Jake White will take over the reins as head coach.
In something of a pleasant surprise for Brumbies supporters, White has signed on the dotted line for four seasons from 2012 and will join the club at the completion of the current Super Rugby season.
Interim coach, Tony Rea has made it known that he will move on from the Brumbies at season’s end, having missed out on the job he inherited from Andy Friend and will seek head coaching roles elsewhere.
The other shortlisted candidates were interviewed but never named, only strengthening the assumptions that White would win out in the end.
White was first involved within the Springboks setup as an assistant coach in 2000 and 2001 and then guided South Africa to an under-21 World Cup in 2002.
A disappointing 2003 Rugby World Cup, in which the ‘Boks were eliminated in the quarters and after which, controversy surrounded the then-coach Rudolph Straeuli’s infamous pre-cup, Kamp Staaldraad “team building” exercises, saw White elevated to the Springboks top job.
Success was almost immediate for White at senior level, with South Africa winning the 2004 tri-Nations and White himself named IRB Coach of the Year.
Lean years followed in 2005 and 2006, but meticulous planning for the 2007 rugby World Cup saw South Africa announce themselves as contenders; thrashing England 36-0 on the way to topping Pool A and then triumphing 15-6 in the dour try-less final against the same opponents.
After a loss to the Barbarians in late 2008, White surprised the rugby world by stepping down, claiming at the time that South African rugby needed new blood to take the Springboks into the future.
Ironically, over time, White joined the chorus of criticism that this ‘new blood’, replacement, Peter de Villiers has endured since.
Since stepping down from the Springboks post, White has largely remained out of the coaching spotlight, save for the odd consulting role with European clubs, most recently with London Irish in January this year.
Despite this coaching absence though, White was continually linked to, and expressed interest in various coaching roles around the world.
This year alone, his name popped up alongside roles with London Wasps and a newly-created role of performance director for the RFU in England, before he threw his hat into the ring for the Brumbies job.
Of course, the Brumbies are quite happy that they’ve got their man, with the statement on the club’s website glowing in their admiration for White’s desire for not just attaining the position, but future success.
Brumbies CEO, Andrew Fagan: “He was an absolute standout in the interview process. He was thoroughly prepared and had obviously thought long and hard about his vision for the team and the organisation. His record says that he is one of the best coaches in world rugby and we’re delighted that he has agreed to join us in Canberra.
“Jake will bring a new feel to the Brumbies,” Fagan went on.
“I can assure our supporters that he is intent on winning games and titles. He is also keen to ensure that the Brumbies continue to be actively and positively engaged with the local community. We know we are working through a challenging period but this appointment is a key step in ensuring we have the rugby program capable of delivering success for our supporters.”
White’s statement continued the mutual admiration society, adding, “The Brumbies are one of the great teams of world rugby. I have followed them closely for many years, particularly since striking up a close friendship with former Head Coach Eddie Jones. I’m looking forward to taking charge of the team and working with the players, the administration and most importantly our supporters, to develop a team that will be competitive every time we step out onto the field.”
For one, he has the club hierarchy down pat already and while ever he keeps talking about “working with the players”, he would seem safe in Canberra.
While he’s already lost Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Mitchell Chapman next year, White’s most immediate challenge will be luring the currently popular James O’Connor from Western Australia and enticing self-managed Wallaby captain Rocky Elsom to remain in the Capital for 2012, despite interest from New South Wales.
Injured Brumbies Captain Stephen Hoiles’ future also remains undecided.
Back to the present and interestingly, it’s been reported that White will travel to Bloemfontein and Durban to watch the Brumbies take on the Cheetahs and Sharks on their South African tour.
And speaking of the tour – the real reason the Brumbies flew into Cape Town – multiple changes have finally been made to the side for the Cheetahs clash in the early hours of Saturday morning (Australian time).
Most notably, the triple-playmaker plan has been shelved, with Matt Toomua dropping out of the 22 completely, Christian Lealiifano taking over at and actually wearing no.10 and Giteau finally wearing the jumper that reflects his inside centre position.
Brumbies side to take on the Cheetahs (0310 AEST Saturday): Pat McCabe, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Andrew Smith, Matt Giteau (capt), Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Pat Phibbs, Colby Faingaa, Michael Hooper, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Peter Kimlin, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Res: Huia Edmonds, Jono Owen, Ben Hand, Julian Salvi, Josh Valentine, Tyrone Smith, Robbie Coleman.