After what was described as ‘a cordial and constructive meeting’, Springbok coach Jake White seemed set on Monday to stay on as coach for the foreseeable future.
White held talks on Monday morning with the chief Executive officer of South African Rugby, Johan Prinsloo, to discuss issues raised by White last week in a letter to the South African Rugby Union (Saru). The question of interference with team selection is reported to be one of the issues.
In a subsequent meeting, White and the convener of the national selection panel, Peter Jooste, also discussed the issue of selection criteria for the Springbok team.
It was mutually agreed that a follow-up meeting will take place in Johannesburg on Tuesday. This meeting will be attended by White, Prinsloo, and Saru President, Brian van Rooyen.
”We had a cordial and constructive meeting where issues on both sides were raised and discussed in a frank and open manner. We are all committed to resolve this to the satisfaction of everyone concerned and especially to concentrate our attention and focus on the important matters at hand, such as preparing the Springboks for the upcoming Test matches against Australia and New Zealand over the next eight
weeks,” said Prinsloo.
According to Mark Keohane’s website, keo.co,za, Van Rooyen and White had a lengthy telephone conversation after the meeting.
”The only place White is going is to Sydney with the Springboks,” said Van Rooyen. ”I am pleased that Jake will continue. He knows he has my support and I know I have his. It is very important that we both share the same ideals for South African rugby.
”We want the Springboks to win the 2007 World Cup and we want the team to be reflective of South Africa and not just one sector of the country. I believe we can achieve both goals.”
The Springbok squad for the two Mandela Cup matches against Australia was expected to be announced later on Monday. – Sapa