South Africa’s 2007 World Cup winning coach Jake White is set to be named manager of Top 14 side Montpellier according to L’Equipe.
The 51-year-old — a two-time IRB world coach of the year — has signed a six month contract according to a well-informed source on Thursday.
His appointment will place almost unbearable pressure on head coach Fabien Galthie as White will be the former France captain’s superior.
Galthie, who has been seen as a potential successor to present France coach Philippe Saint-Andre should he step down after next year’s World Cup, has seen his position at the club weakened with a seven match losing run dating back to October 11 which only ended in their game last Saturday with a narrow win over Toulouse.
They are presently in sixth place, the last position for the post-season play-offs, 11 points off leaders and defending champions Toulon.
“White is coming with a view to being in charge of the team completely,” the source told L’Equipe.
“He will be above Galthie. He will have the role of manager, that is what has been negotiated.”
However, a close friend claims that Galthie — who has guided the team from nowhere to becoming a regular contender for the French title taking them to the 2011 final — will feel the appointment has pushed him into a corner where he has no option but to resign.
Galthie, who also coached his first club Stade Francais to the 2005 French championship and European Cup finals, was allowed to stay on after Montpellier president Mohad Altrad held talks with the players before the Toulouse game but only if the 45-year-old could turn their fortunes around.
“Galthie has the feeling that they want to make him so disgusted that he leaves and therefore is less costly to them in terms of a pay-out,” the friend told L’Equipe.
Since leaving the Springboks post in 2007 White has held coaching posts with Australia side Brumbies and then as director of rugby with South African outfit The Sharks but resigned in September this year and has been acting as a technical advisor to the Tongan national team.
Not Bothered
Guest
... and J.White is now head coach.
Johnno
Guest
So much for him and Jakey being bosoom buddies and best mates. His so called close friend knifed him, Galthie's gone to the guiltone and the Jake-ticket is in full steam. Jakey wants some cash before a world cup dig for a team eg a Italy or France.
Not Bothered
Guest
Well you would be wrong. They sacked Galthie.
Gilbert
Roar Rookie
His excuse for leaving Brumbies was he wanted to get close to his family in SA. Now he's in France. I don't think he can get France national team job, they'll appoint a French national imo.
hog
Guest
At least Montpellier won't have to worry about long service leave.
Johnno
Guest
Easy fast money $. A hired gun doing a bit of consulting work here and there, fly in fly out. Gotta pay the bills, Jakey.
I simply don't get whatWhite is trying to achieve. To me it seems as if he is looking to become a head coach of a national team and is biding his time in different countries to see whether he can sneak in through the back door to such a position. His ambition is preventing him to actually achieve success on a longterm basis.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
He'll do what he did with the Brumbies - use his position to try and slime his way into the national coaching role then throw his toys out the pram when they select a frenchman ahead of him...
roardog
Guest
Not Bothered i think White is going there as an advisor to help a close friend
Not Bothered
Guest
So what are you saying? Do you think White isnt going to there or do you think hes just going to be an advisor?
roardog
Guest
Media rubbish once again if they did their homework they would find out that Galthie and White are close friends and it was White that recommended to Mowen to join Montpellia as he believes Galthie is one of the best coaches in Rugby