Being a foreigner cost me – White

Editor

Brumbies coach Jake White says that he didn't get the job of Australian head coach because he is a South African.

Brumbies coach Jake White says that he didn't get the job of Australian head coach because he is a South African.

The World Cup-winning coach was in the running to replace Robbie Deans at the helm of the Wallabies, but lost out to Reds boss Ewen McKenzie.

White insists that it is not an imagined scenario that he was over-looked for the position because he was not Australian.

“It's not a perception. It's a fact,” White is quoted as saying by AAP.

“It just happened. You fired the cricket coach, put an Aussie in, fired the rugby coach and put an Aussie in.

“It's not a case that I'm fearing about it. South African pick a South African, Kiwis pick Kiwis. England rugby pick English people to pick the team.

“They've tried foreigners and I appreciate that. That doesn't mean that I have to agree or disagree with it. That's the nature of the game we're in.

The 50-year-old hinted that he may try to obtain Australian citizenship so that he is better placed should their be a vacancy in the near future.

“I'm not sure. I've got to say, 'I'm not sure, mate',” he quipped.

Despite seemingly feeling bitter about the situation, White wished McKenzie well.

“It hasn't panned out. They've obviously gone for Ewen and that's fantastic,” he said.

“He's got a phenomenal record for the Reds and the Waratahs. He's been there and done it in terms of Super Rugby, he's played for Australia.

“I wish him all the best.”