Tony Rea will see out the season as caretaker coach © Getty Images

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The Brumbies have confirmed Jake White's appointment as head coach from next season as caretaker Tony Rea spoke of his disappointment at being overlooked for the role.

White had been heavily tipped to get the job, making Wednesday's announcement all but a formality, and Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said the South African's experience gave the selection process its own sense of inevitability.

"He was an absolute standout in the interview process", said Fagan. "He was thoroughly prepared and had obviously thought long and hard about his vision for the team and the organisation. His record says that he is one of the best coaches in world rugby and we're delighted that he has agreed to join us in Canberra."

White, who won the 2007 Rugby World Cup with his home country, will start work in July after Rea concludes his temporary duties which began when Andy Friend was sacked at the start of the season.

White said: "The Brumbies are one of the great teams of world rugby. I have followed them closely for many years, particularly since striking up a close friendship with former head coach Eddie Jones. I'm looking forward to taking charge of the team and working with the players, the administration and most importantly our supporters, to develop a team that will be competitive every time we step out onto the field."

Fagan said he did not believe White's appointment would be a distraction for the rest of the current campaign and praised the work of Rea.

Fagan said: "I can't say enough about Tony Rea and the way he has managed his role since taking over. He has shown tremendous integrity and character in difficult circumstances."

Rea admitted his ideal preference was to stay with the franchise as permanent coach but that he understood and respected the Brumbies' decision.

''I am disappointed, but I am fine with the decision. It doesn't affect my confidence,'' Rea said in the Sydney Morning Herald. ''I believe strongly in what I'm doing and how I'm going and as long as I feel like that, I'm cool with the decision. I'm not going to make any soft decisions for this group. I'm not going to change my behaviour at all. The players know that. Everything else that will happen next year is irrelevant for now."