Springbok Coach must prove himself at the World cup

South Africa coach Jake White will not be offered a new contract until after the 2007 World Cup. White had asked for a two-year extension earlier this year but the South African Rugby Union decided that they will wait until his current deal expires.

“Extending the national coach’s deal will be dealt with within 30 days of the completion of the 2007 World Cup.” SARU president Oregan Hoskins said.

White had been linked to the Rugby Football Union’s new director of elite rugby position set to start in September.

SARU told White he was free to apply for other positions which he did and then SARU had a meeting with Hoskins and chairman Mpumelelo Thume who are said to have persuaded him to stay.

After learning his request to extend his contract until after the British and Irish Lions tour in 2009 had been turned down, White said: “I respect their decision. “I am a loyal South African and everyone knows I am absolutely passionate about coaching the Springboks.

“The Tri-Nations will present us with a daunting challenge but the team is determined to do the country proud.”

Jake White also wanted a performance clause taken out of his contract as he is often forced to play non-white players due to selection policies as the South African government insists on increasing the number of non-white players whether or not they are good enough.

White’s record with the Springboks stands at 19 victories, eight defeats and one draw but the jury is out on whether White will stay loyal to SARU after the RFU had been rumoured to have been prepared to buy White out of his current SARU contract. SARU has not showed much loyalty to White.

Such an arrangement would be hugely beneficial to the RFU as South Africa are set to play England in the RWC pool stage and the British & Irish Lions will tour South Africa in 2009.