The president’s council of the South African Rugby Union (Saru) met in Johannesburg on Tuesday to discuss the extension of the contract of the Springbok coach, Jake White.
The council afforded White an opportunity to address them on the matter, whereafter it deliberated further in order to make an informed and conclusive pronouncement.
”The president’s council was unified in its support for the work done so far by the national coach and the performances delivered by the Springboks under his coaching leadership,” said president of Saru, Oregan Hoskins.
”We are proud of his track record and especially pleased with the sound coaching and management structure he has put in place.
”After a very constructive discussion, the president’s council decided that the matter of extending the national coach’s contract would be dealt with within 30 days of completion of the 2007 Rugby World Cup tournament, as stipulated in his contract.
”The president’s council wants to reiterate that the national coach currently has a sound contract in place and that it has every intention to honour that agreement with the Springbok coach.
”We fully support the coach and again want to call upon all South Africans to give the coach and his team the full support they need and deserve, as they prepare for the very important and challenging away leg of the Vodacom Tri-Nations tournament,” concluded Hoskins.
White thanked the union presidents for affording him the opportunity to address them.
”We had a good meeting and I respect their decision,” said White. ”I am a loyal South African and everyone knows I am absolutely passionate about coaching the Springboks. The Tri-Nations will, like always, present us with a daunting challenge, but the team is determined to do the country proud.” — Sapa