White wants broader influence
Jake White has signed a three-year contract with the Sharks. White will serve as Director of Rugby.
Sharks CEO, John Smit, is delighted to have wrapped up a deal so quickly. Smit says he was determined to clarify his options without delay.
White started his professional coaching career at the Sharks. He later guided the Springboks to World Cup glory. White says the Sharks job has come as a very pleasant surprise.
White will focus mainly on the Sharks first team.
However, as Director of Rugby he is hoping to have a broader influence on the game in KZN.
"I want to ensure that boys who play Craven Week and first team rugby for schools in KZN are doing almost the same things we would want them to do at senior level here at the Sharks. Obviously, this will take some time. I recall a certain common thread of ideas when Ian MacIntosh was in charge of the Sharks," White explained.
White today also admitted to still having international ambitions. It is a desire that does not seem to worry Smit. The Sharks CEO says he wants a coach who still has hunger for rugby at the highest level. White won the Rugby World Cup as coach of South Africa in 2007.
The Sharks will host Western Province in Absa Currie Cup action this Saturday night. Kickoff is at 19h10.
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
- Andre Bloem
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre