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In the wake of his decision to leave the Brumbies, I have thought long and hard about Jake White.
Without doubt he did a wonderful job in turning around ACT rugby. Within the space of two years he changed the Brumbies from a team of also-rans to within a whisker of a Super Rugby premiership.
I have heard nothing but enthusiasm for him as a coach and as a person. His television appearances portray him as a keen rugby man with an affable but firm approach to the sport.
No doubt those who know him quite like him. He seems like a likeable bloke.
At the end of the day he proved he was not a team man, but a mercenary.
In an honest and self-confessed way, he came to Australia to pursue his quest to return to Test match coaching. When it became clear he could not achieve that here, he left.
Quite clearly he was only interested in making the Brumbies better because it would make his own position better.
Equally clearly, when his own position could not be bettered, the Brumbies were of no interest to him.
That is not the rugby I grew up with. The team was more important than the individual. The country, province or club was more important than the coach and the players.
I have no doubt that remains in rugby but I wish it was more evident at the higher levels.
Jake was more passionate about himself than his team.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.