One could forgive Jake White for having a profound sense of déjà vu, as once again he finds his name being kicked about for the England job recently vacated by Stuart Lancaster. However, given his previous experience with the RFU – passed over in favour of Martin Johnson in 2008 and Lancaster in 2012, White wants certain assurances before getting his hopes up. Recent media reports indicate that White, who coached South Africa to World Cup glory in 2007 (defeating England in the Final) wants no part of a shortlist if he decides to formally express his interest in the position.
Speaking before his current club Montpellier’s match against Harlequins at The Stoop, White talked about the position and his potential interest.
Let’s wait and see. If they genuinely think I’m the right guy and it’s the way forward for English rugby, then I would put my hand up.
But I’ve been in this position before and I’ve said openly I don’t want to be in the middle of shortlists.
Given the number of high-profile coaches – both foreign and domestic – who have publicly taken their name out of consideration even after the RFU pledged to do whatever it takes to bring in a high-quality coach, White may be able to get such assurances and avoid a shortlist.
Despite White’s seemingly-lukewarm comments about the position, they also come with the understanding that it is still one of the most desirable positions in world rugby. However, he also made explicit that he is comfortable with Montpellier.
It’s important to understand I have a job, and the most important thing is making sure I’m fair to my employers and the people I’m coaching now.
But if the RFU were genuine about picking a foreign coach and considered me to be the right man for the job, it would be naive of me to tell you I wasn’t interested.
If RFU bosses choose to stay in England with their search, Exeter coach Rob Baxter believes they could still end up with the right man for the job.
English coaches are best placed to work on the management of England’s best players through into an international environment and get the best out of them. Richard Cockerill has had a lot of success at Leicester, Jim Mallinder’s done very well over a long period at Northampton. There are coaches there who have done their time and I would like to think they would at least get asked, or be thought of as genuine contenders, before we start thinking that we’ve got to bring in an overseas coach.
