Jake: Div talks too much

2008-09-11 22:26

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - Jake White will coach the Barbarians for a brief spell against Australia in December, but maintains that he wants to get involved with South African rugby next year.

White, speaking to Die Burger from England on Thursday, was not aware of the furore that has erupted around his successor, Peter de Villiers.

"Peter's problem is that he talks too much," said White.

"What you want is a director of rugby. I experienced the best and the worst moments of the Springbok coaching process and have a connection with every coach in world rugby.

"I am in a position to comment on aspects like our future policy with regard to team selection, and that would leave Peter free to concentrate on his coaching.

"I know just how lonely that position can be. That is why Eddie Jones meant so much to me as a consultant during last year's World Cup campaign. He was someone with experience that could serve as a sounding board."

White cannot see why his previous clashes with South African rugby bosses would be held against him.

He narrowly escaped dismissal in 2006 when he was summoned during a Northern Hemisphere tour to appear before Saru's president's council.

'Other agendas'

White survived a motion of no confidence and went on to win the World Cup last year.

"To this day I have not yet received a letter from Saru ranks congratulating me," said White.

"South African rugby could be stronger than it is right now.

"If they don't want me, it shows that there are other agendas. I am asked for my input all over the world, but in South Africa apparently nobody cares.

"I decided to take this year off and see where life would take me. My divorce is behind me now and there is a new person in my life.

"I also want to spend time with my two sons.

"Next year I want to become involved with rugby again. I can't stay out of rugby for the rest of my life."

One possibility is that the British and Irish Lions could approach Jake to work as a consultant against his former team.

Such an offer has not yet been forthcoming, but it could become a reality in due course if South African rugby continues to leave him out in the cold.

"I don't want South Africans to see me as a traitor if I start playing a role for another country," said White.

White has described his appointment as coach to the Barbarians for the clash against the Wallabies at the Wembley Stadium on December 3 as a "great honour".

"I'm from the old school and love tradition," he said.

- Die Burger