Jake White, a world champion for Fiji

Nineteen years after the Springboks’ title, Jake White is back in charge of a national team.

He replaces Senirusi Seruvakula, appointed on an interim basis in April after Mick Byrne’s departure. His contract runs to the end of the World Cup, which Fiji open against Spain on 4 October 2027 in Newcastle. The Flying Fijians will aim to match or better their 2023 quarter-final.

A French option dropped

According to Rugbyrama, the Fijian union long favoured a French coach. Franck Azema, Laurent Labit and Pierre-Henry Broncan were in advanced talks, then Philippe Saint-Andre came close to a deal before extending at Provence Rugby. Pierre Mignoni, free since resigning from Toulon, was also considered in recent days. Fiji ultimately stuck with their application process, which White had been the only candidate to complete.

The Montpellier years

Since 2007, White has coached the Brumbies, the Sharks, Montpellier, Toyota Verblitz in Japan and the Bulls, where he was director of rugby until last year. He also advised Tonga in 2014. At Montpellier, from 2014 to 2017, he won the 2016 Challenge Cup, beating Harlequins in the final (26-19). His Top 14 record: 46 wins from 81 games, with a semi-final in 2016.

Known for a structured game, he insists he will not change Fiji’s identity. His first assignment comes in November, with a European tour against France, Ireland and Italy.

I am not coming to Fiji to change what makes Fijian rugby special. I want to protect that identity, strengthen it.

Jake White