Jake White would love to coach England if he leaves his job as South Africa boss, he said in an interview published on Tuesday.
White praised the passion and talent of the England team which will take on his Springboks at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.
”If my contract doesn’t get renewed and England came to me with a proposal to coach them one day, I’d be crazy not to accept it,” he told the Guardian at his Paris hotel.
South Africa’s and England’s rugby culture have much in common, he said.
”There are a huge amount of similarities between England and South Africa. We have both come through tough times and, apart from these last few weeks, they’ve really not done well since winning the World Cup.
”But England have got massive potential, some real stars and plenty of exciting young players coming through. And there is so much desire and passion in English rugby that I’d have to be tempted.”
White’s contract is due to expire at the end of the year and SA Rugby has already advertised the position which is something of a political hot potato in the post-apartheid era.
White was close to being sacked at the turn of the year after a dismal run of results but his stock has soared in recent weeks and he has been widely linked by newspapers with the post of Australia coach.
White has been a frequent target of sniping by provincial rugby administrators and has been come under fire from central government over the continued dearth of black players in the national team.
It is unlikely though that the job would be offered to White as England’s unexpected run to the World Cup final means that coach Brian Ashton will almost certainly be kept on and offered a new contract.
‘The most I can achieve’
White, said in an interview with the Star, said he would step step down if the Springboks triumph in the World Cup final.
He said the title of world champions had been his ultimate ambition ever since he took over three years ago and he was cool on the idea of being moved upstairs after the tournament.
”What can I say? When I took over as coach, I said that I really wanted to win the World Cup,” he said.
”That was part of my first speech to the guys in 2004 when I got the job. If this group wins, it is the most I can achieve.” – Sapa