Jake set for Test rugby return

2007 World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jake White is in contention to coach a team at next year’s global showpiece in Australia.

According to Rapport, the 62-year-old has emerged as the leading contender to take charge of Fiji ahead of next year’s World Cup.

“He is on their shortlist and is regarded as the favourite. In Fiji, they are already talking about him as the new head coach,” a source told Rapport.

Fiji have been without a permanent head coach since Mick Byrne stepped down in April, with Senirusi Seruvakula taking charge on an interim basis.

White is currently working as a consultant at Selborne College in East London. He previously served as the Bulls’ director of rugby from 2020 to 2025.

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Should he take charge of Fiji, White would inherit a team currently ranked 10th in the world.

The Pacific Islanders had a disappointing Nations Championship campaign in July, losing to Wales, England and Scotland, and will face France, Ireland and Italy in November.

White could also go head to head with Rassie Erasmus, with the Springboks set to face Fiji in a World Cup warm-up Test in Gosford on 18 September 2027.

Fiji have been drawn in Pool C of the World Cup alongside Argentina, Canada and Spain.

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