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2007 Rugby World Cup Final - England VS South Africa

South Africa coach Jake White has said that he would like to become England's coach after the World Cup (for the money, obviously), although current England coach Brian Ashton is expected to stay on as coach for an extended period after guiding England to their third World Cup Final....

Jake White wants chance to coach England

By Steve Wilson and agencies
16/10/2007
The Telegraph

South Africa coach Jake White has given a strong indication that Saturday's World Cup final will be his last match in charge of the Springboks - and he would welcome the chance to coach England after wrestling the Webb Ellis Trophy from them in Paris.

After guiding England to a final that no one predicted, Brian Ashton is expected to extend his contract with the Rugby Football Union win or lose at the Stade de France this weekend but that did not stop White from expressing an interest in taking on the England job some time in the future.

Thinking of England: Jake White could be looking for a new job after the weekend

"If my contract doesn't get renewed and England came to me with a proposal to coach them one day, I'd be crazy not to accept it," he said.

"There are a huge amount of similarities between England and South Africa. We have both come through tough times and, apart from these last few weeks, they have really not done well since winning the last World Cup.

"But England have got massive potential, some real stars and plenty of exciting young players coming through. And there is so much desire and passion in English rugby that I'd have to be tempted."

The make up of the Springbok side has always been a hot political issue in post-apartheid South Africa but White warned that after the tournament has concluded further "massive political pressure is going to be exerted to pick a Springboks side based on colour rather than merit."

This perceived ramping up of interference may be one reason White is looking elsewhere for job opportunities but he also claims that it has had a galvanising effect on the current squad who are "playing for the future".

"I've believed for a long time now that South Africa are going to win the World Cup," White said.

"There is a sense of destiny about this team because no other side in world rugby plays with the same pressure."

"I definitely want to stay in international rugby. I want to see what it's like to coach on a relatively even keel, without South Africa's political interference, and England would be hugely attractive to any coach at this level.

"It's not just England. I would consider coaching any international team.

"Once you've been at this level it's in your blood and you want to see how good you really are. After Saturday I'll have time to reflect and make a final decision

"But speaking to Clive [Woodward] and Eddie [Jones] it's obvious. When you win the World Cup you've got to go because there's no more you can achieve.

"And if you don't they probably want you to go anyway."

telegraph.co.uk