World Cup-winning ex-Springboks rugby coach Jake White has been appointed head coach of the ACT Brumbies for the next four years.
Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan announced White’s appointment on Wednesday, saying he would take over from caretaker coach Tony Rea at the end of the current Super 15 season.
Rea has coached the Brumbies since Andy Friend was fired two rounds into the 2011 season. The Brumbies are currently third in the five-team Australian conference and 10th overall in the Super 15 with two wins from eight matches.
White (48) coached South Africa to victory at the 2007 World Cup in France and in the 2004 Tri-Nations tournament.
He coached the Springboks in 54 tests between 2004 and 2007, winning 36. White hasn’t previously held a head-coaching position in Super rugby, though he was assistant coach of the Durban-based Sharks in 2000.
“It’s a massive coup,” Fagan said of White’s appointment. “Jake is one of the best coaches in world rugby so to have him come to Canberra is a tremendous bonus for us.”
Fagan said White had been the standout candidate for the coaching job.
“His enthusiasm set him apart as well as his record,” he said. “He’s won junior and senior World Cups, Tri-Nations championships, [has been] a two-time international coach of the year. His record speaks for itself.” — AP