White to coach South Africa through to 2007 World Cup

Jake White

JOHANNESBURG - Jake White has settled his differences with South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Brian van Rooyen and has been confirmed as coach through to the 2007 World Cup in France.

White met Van Rooyen, SARU chief executive Johan Prinsloo, convenor of selectors Pieter Jooste and Springbok manager Arthob Petersen.

Media reports suggested White would stand down if his wishes were not granted.

"Jake has been appointed to coach the Springboks through to 2007 and he has my full backing to take the team through to the World Cup that year," Van Rooyen told a media conference.

White said: "There was never a rift between Brian van Rooyen and myself and the president has never interfered.

"I just wanted to make sure there are proper lines of communication and Brian van Rooyen has now ensured I have a direct line to him, which will make my job much easier."

White said issues of transformation and selection had been resolved at the meeting.

"We have to be sincere about transformation and bringing players into the system. There won't be the same number (of black players in the Springbok team) every week, but I'm genuine about it.

"I wanted clear guidelines and the backing of the president to bring these players through."

Van Rooyen, who confirmed that he still has to approve all Springbok teams in terms of the SARU constitution, said he was happy with White's record in bringing players of colour into the South African team.

The president said: "There is no specific number of black players who have to be included in the Springbok team, but there will be direct communication between myself and the coach over issues of policy and there will be discussions over team selection, as there have been from day one.

"But I am happy with what he has achieved in terms of transformation."

White used 13 black players in 2004 and this year he has already awarded two more black players -- halfback Enrico Januarie and wing Tonderai Chavhanga -- test caps.

Chief executive Prinsloo confirmed that White's management team would also be contracted through to the 2007 World Cup, which was one of the coach's requests.

This includes manager Petersen. Reports in the media suggested White wanted Petersen to be dismissed due to a personality clash, but both men insisted on Tuesday that they were happy to work together.

White said: "I have a good working relationship with the manager. I just needed to clarify whose job is what and who I have to report to. It's very difficult if I have to report to the managing director, the manager, the board and the president. It's a lot clearer now where I stand."

Petersen said: "The coach and I have always had a harmonious relationship and, as the two senior members of the Springbok management, we intend working together for the good of the team and South African rugby.

"If the fact we discuss things can be interpreted as discord between us, then that is most unfortunate."

- REUTERS