White to stay on as South African coach

CAPE TOWN - The president and chairman of the South African Rugby Union, Oregan Hoskins and Mpumelelo Tshume, today emerged positive from a meeting with Jake White to discuss public and media speculation about the Springbok coach's immediate future.

Hoskins and Tshume said after the meeting that they had held a positive and constructive meeting with White.

"It helped clear the air after a wide range of speculations in recent media reports. We are pleased to say that the coach and the leadership of SA Rugby are totally aligned on the process to be followed regarding the issue of the extension of his contract. He respects the fact that the Presidents Council will deliberate on the matter and come up with a decision.

"As SA Rugby, we fully support the coach and do not want his attention to be diverted, as he has a job to do. We call upon all South Africans to give the coach and his team the full support they need and deserve, as they prepare for the Tri-Nations tournament. It is a hard assignment. Let us all back the coach and the Springboks."

White agreed that the meeting had been very cordial.

"I am very happy with the genuine approach and the sense of sincerity they have displayed around the issue of my contract. I want to state clearly that it remains a great honour and privilege to coach the Springboks. I am loyal to the national team.

"During our meeting, they showed me they understand my reasons for raising the matter of the contract, and that I never wanted to leave the country. It was all a matter of seeking common understanding on future plans for all the parties involved in our rugby, particularly the national team.

"It is important for the team to know that when we assemble in Johannesburg (for the Tri-Nations tournament) next week, there are no uncertainties about me and my role," said White.

"Our focus as a team remains the same.

"We are preparing for a tour that is going to be tough. We, therefore, need to be completely focused when we assemble.

"I do not have control over what the President's Council decides when it meets. That is out of my hands, and I will have to respect the decision they reach."

- INDEPENDENT (SOUTH AFRICA)