England Rugby
White rules himself out of England role
ESPNscrum Staff
October 24, 2011
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
Jake White is committed to coaching the Brumbies © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Martin Johnson | Jake White
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup

Former South Africa coach Jake White has ruled himself out of a coaching role with England.

White, who won the World Cup with South Africa in 2007 and currently coaches Super Rugby side the Brumbies, has been mentioned by many pundits as a possible replacement for coach Martin Johnson, should the England coach leave his post with the Rugby Football Union. However, White insists he is committed to the Brumbies despite a desire to return to international coaching at some stage.

"I do not think the issue in this case is whether he [Johnson] should stay or go," White told the Guardian. "When you are in charge of a team you need the backing of the people above you when times are tough. You need to know that they feel you are right for the job.

"I have ambitions to be an international coach again. I was only 44 when South Africa won the World Cup and it is different for Graham Henry who has just tasted success in the tournament with New Zealand because he has reached retirement age. The timing with England is not right for me because I have a contract with the Brumbies and so there can be no speculation about my future. The Super 15 starts in a few months and my attention is on that."

Johnson, whose contract expires in December, is currently considering his position following a poor Rugby World Cup campaign which ended in defeat to France at the quarter-final stage. Even if Johnson decides he wants to continue in the role, he may not be offered a new contract.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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