Disappointed White to step down as Boks coach
Jake White today confirmed he will leave his post as South African coach when his contract expires on December 31. White, who led the Boks to the World Cup title in France earlier this month, released a statement at a news conference in Cape Town two days after his name was omitted from the shortlist for the coach's job.
"Respect, honesty and dignity are among the values of the Springbok squad over the last four years. Given recent press statements indicating why I was not considered for the national coaching role next year I felt obliged to clarify a few points, so as to ensure the Springboks' incredible success at the World Cup is not tarnished with mis-information or inaccuracy regarding my situation," White said in the statement.
"The match against the Barbarians at Twickenham (on December 1) will be my last one as Springbok coach and I want to publicly thank the 72 players I have been privileged to be associated with in the last four years.
"Personally, I am extremely disappointed at the manner in which the message of my supposed unavailability was conveyed to the public on Monday in a South African Rugby Union media release that stated I would not be considered for the job on the basis that I did not apply.
"My contract as Springbok coach is clear that I was not obliged to apply and that all considerations would be discussed at my annual review. I did ask for time to consider my options as I was mindful of making a wrong decision based on emotion. This time was not afforded me and that is particularly disappointing."
White, who claimed the statement was to place on record "my passion for rugby in this country and for the Springboks", has indicated he wants to stay in international rugby and has been linked with positions in England, Wales and Australia.
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