White wants two more years

Editor

Montpellier consultant Jake White views his new role as being a long-term venture as he looks to “experience a different lifestyle” in France.

The former Bok, Brumbies and Sharks boss, who left the Canberra franchise in order to be closer to his family, took the post in December.

Montpol owner Mourad Altrad called in White as a replacement for Fabien Galthie, who is currently suspended by the club due to poor form.

And it appears White is keen to make his role permanent as he learns the French language and has already submitted transfer requests.

“The way I see it, if they extend my stay beyond six months, is that I will have a two-year opportunity to build something here, time to learn French and also time to experience a different lifestyle,” White explained to timeslive.co.za from from his new club in the Top 14.

“We have goals here and after the World Cup [in England in September and October] we are going to try to bring some of the best players in the world to Montpellier to add to an already strong core group that is here.

“There will be many players on the market when the tournament is over and our ambition here is to try to headhunt some of the best. We need three or four more big names.”

White enjoyed a perfect start to his tenure with a home victory over reigning champions Toulon but last weekend suffered a tough defeat against Oyonnax.

And while his arrival at the club was greeted with mixed reviews because of his public reasoning for leaving the Brumbies and a recent swift exit from the Sharks, White has refused to allow such criticism affect his mindset as he looks to build a top class side.

“I’m a rugby coach, that’s my job, so I don’t really worry about what people are saying about my decision to come here,” the coach said.

“I coach, and this is a good opportunity to coach at a club with ambition.

“Some of the best players in the world play here so it’s obvious the standards will be high.

“Coaching a top club side here can be like coaching a World XV or the Barbarians. Hopefully next season, if we get the players we want, it will be like that.”