Australian Rugby
White eyes 'dream' Wallabies job
ESPN Staff
December 8, 2012
Consultant coach George Gregan chats with new Brumbies head coach Jake White, Brumbies training camp, Narrabeen Sport and Recreation Ground, Manly, Australia, July 25, 2011
Former Springboks coach Jake White is currently in charge of the Brumbies where he has worked alongside Wallabies legend George Gregan © Getty Images
Enlarge

Former South Africa coach Jake White has turned up the heat on Australia boss Robbie Deans by declaring that he would welcome the chance to take charge of the Wallabies.

White, who famously steered the Springboks to the 2007 Rugby World Cup crown, is currently in charge of Australian Super Rugby side the Brumbies where he has earned rave reviews, but he has made no secret of his desire to return to the international stage.

The 49-year-old was linked with the England job earlier this year prior to Stuart Lancaster's appointment and has now revealed that it would be a "dream" to coach Australia having helped breathe life back into the under-performing Brumbies since arriving in Canberra last year.

"It was a very conscious choice I made to come and coach at the Brumbies," White told The Australian. "They have always been regarded as an organisation who pushed the boundaries and were at the forefront of innovation in world rugby.

"After I finished with the Springboks, I knew I wanted to get back into coaching, but I needed to wait for the right job, a job which would be mutually beneficial. As a coach, you need to be growing and learning every day, particularly if you have a desire to coach at international level, which I most certainly do.

"That passion has not died in me. It is the ultimate test and I believe I have a great deal to offer as an international coach. Obviously my focus is here with the Brumbies. I am not someone who ever looks too far ahead. I know how quickly things can change. But you ask would I like to coach the Wallabies. Of course that is a dream job. They are one of the premier rugby teams in the world and I would love the opportunity to be a part of the Wallabies set-up."

Deans, who is contracted until the end of next year, saw his future repeatedly called into question during a troublesome year for him and his side. Injuries to key personnel such as Will Genia, James O'Connor, David Pocock and James Horwill hampered their plans while outspoken fly-half Quade Cooper claimed the Wallabies' environment was "toxic".

But they still managed a runners-up spot in the Rugby Championship and ended the year as they began - as the No.2 side on the IRB world rankings. As a result, Deans looks to have ridden out the storm and will most likely guide the Wallabies into their eagerly-awaited series against the British & Irish Lions next year.

White is most likely eyeing a career move ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and his credentials have been endorsed by Brumbies assistant coach Laurie Fisher who added: "Look, you only have to look at Jake's track record to know he would be an outstanding appointment. Jake's great strength is his ability to sell a message and get everyone pulling in the same direction.

"When you have that, it is a very powerful thing. The only thing for me is, I suppose I am a little bit old-school where I would like to see the job go to an Aussie, but that's just me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.