Former South Africa head coach Jake White has been appointed as the head coach of Super Rugby side the Brumbies, and insists he can help them move from the foot of the Australian conference.
The Brumbies have struggled in the inaugural Super Rugby season, winning just two of their eight games, scoring the least amount of points of all the participating teams as they slumped to the bottom of the table.
Tony Rea took temporary charge of the Australian outfit following the departure of Andy Friend after just two games this season amidst rumours of a bust-up with some members of the Brumbies squad.
Rea expressed his disappointment after missing out on the position, but White believes he is the man to change the fortunes of the club.
“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.†He said.
“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.” he added.
White forged his reputation during a four year spell with the Springboks, culminating in success at the 2007 World Cup, where they defeated England in the final, something which brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said made him the best man for the job.
“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.” He commented.
White will take charge of the team in the summer, with Rea seeing out the season as coach before handing the reins over to the South African in July.
Elsewhere, as the All Black Cup shirt is prepared ahead of New Zealand’s to attempt to win the World Cup trophy for the first time since the first ever tournament in 1987, reports in the country suggest the tournament could cost taxpayers between $600 million and $900 million to stage.