Sharks chief executive John Smit said he would be open to 'engage' with Jake White
Sharks chief executive John Smit said on Thursday he would be open to "engage" with the former Springbok coach Jake White should an opportunity arise.
Reacting to media reports that White, who quit as coach of the Brumbies on Wednesday, was lined up to be director of coaching, Smit said: "Here at The Sharks we have a definite plan for our team. Could Jake White add value? Of course he can.
"He is a very successful coach with an amazing track record. We would welcome an opportunity to engage with him, should it so arise."
Beeld newspaper reported on Thursday that he was due to take over the position currently held by Brendan Venter.
White, who coached the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007, had coached the Canberra-based Brumbies for the past two seasons.
White still had two years to run on his contract.
Lost to the Chiefs
Venter replaced New Zealand-born John Plumtree earlier this year when Smit was appointed chief executive of the Sharks.
Fifty-year-old White missed out on the Wallabies coaching job in July when Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie was chosen to replace Robbie Deans.
White took the Brumbies to the Super final this year, where they lost to the Chiefs. – Sapa; Sapa-AP