Jake White beats Warren Gatland to World Cup gig and makes style promise: ‘What excites me most’
Former Springboks head coach Jake White has finally landed an international role.
The Fijian Rugby Union has confirmed Jake White as the new men’s head coach in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
It will be White’s first international head coach role since helping the Springboks lift the William Webb Ellis Cup in France in 2007.
Since then, he has held roles in Australia, South Africa, France and Japan, coaching the Brumbies, Sharks, Montpellier, Toyota Verblitz and most recently the Bulls.
He replaces Senirusi Seruvakula, who was appointed to the position on an interim basis in April following the abrupt departure of Mick Byrne. Seruvakula oversaw the Flying Fijians’ Nations Championship Tests in July, as well as the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup last month.
Jake White lands Fiji head coach role
While he hasn’t held an international head coaching position since leaving the Springboks, his international experience includes a technical advisory role with Tonga in 2014.
White has repeatedly expressed his desire to return to the Test arena and now has the opportunity to do so, with Fiji having reportedly beaten a strong field of applicants, including Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards to the position.
“It is an incredible honour to be given the opportunity to lead the Flying Fijians,” White said in a statement confirming his appointment.
“Fiji holds a special place in world rugby. There are very few nations where the game means so much to its people, and where the players bring such extraordinary natural ability, courage and passion to the field.
“Having coached at the highest level, including at a Rugby World Cup, I understand the preparation, discipline, belief and collective commitment required to compete against the best teams in the world.
“What excites me most about Fiji is the potential. This is a nation that has already shown it can challenge the world’s rugby powers. My responsibility is to work with the players, coaches and everyone involved in Fiji Rugby to build on that foundation and turn potential into consistent performances.”
While White’s teams have often been viewed as conservative, the South African has promised that the Pacific Islanders will remain true to their style of play and strengths under his charge.
“I am not coming to Fiji to change what makes Fijian rugby special. I want to protect that identity, strengthen it and combine it with the structures, discipline and winning habits that will allow these players to express their talents on the biggest stage,” he added.
“Our journey begins immediately with the historic Test against Japan, followed by important challenges against France, Ireland and Italy in November. Every one of those matches will be an opportunity to learn, improve and establish the standards we need heading towards Rugby World Cup 2027.
“I know what winning a Rugby World Cup means to a country. I have seen how it can unite a nation and inspire generations.
“The talent is here. The passion is here. Now we must put in the work to build something truly special.”
White’s first assignment will be against Japan with the Fijians facing off against Eddie Jones’ side in a significant international occasion marking 100 years of the Japan Rugby Football Union.
Ex-prop explains the ‘essence’ of what made Jake White’s 2007 Springboks ‘special’
“Fiji has never lacked talent, courage or passion”
Following which, the Flying Fijians will then travel to Europe for the November Nations Championship fixtures, where they will tackle France, Ireland and Italy with a playoff match in London.
Prior to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, White’s side will also clash with the Springboks in a warm-up match.
“Today marks an important new chapter in the history of Fiji Rugby. In appointing Jake White, we are bringing a Rugby World Cup-winning coach into a nation where rugby is more than a sport, it is part of who we are,” Fiji Rakavi Football Union Chairman John Sanday said.
“Fiji has never lacked talent, courage or passion. Our players have demonstrated time and again that they can compete with the very best in the world. Our responsibility now is to create the leadership, structure, discipline and high-performance environment that will allow that talent to consistently deliver on the international stage.
“Jake understands what it takes to build a World Cup-winning team. His experience, leadership and championship mentality are exactly the qualities we want to bring into our preparations for Rugby World Cup 2027.
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“But this appointment is about more than one coach or one tournament. It is about raising our standards, strengthening our rugby foundations and creating a legacy that future generations of Fijian players can build upon.
“We are not simply preparing to participate in another Rugby World Cup.
“We are preparing to challenge ourselves, challenge expectations and show the world what Fiji can achieve when our extraordinary talent is matched by world-class preparation.
“To every Fijian, whether at home or living abroad, this is our journey together. We ask our nation to unite behind the Flying Fijians, believe in our players and stand with us as we take this next step towards Australia 2027.
“As we look ahead with a clear vision and renewed ambition, it is equally important that we acknowledge those who have brought us this far. We stand on the foundations laid by those who came before us.
“To Senirusi, Mick, and everyone who has contributed to the journey of Fiji Rugby — Vinaka Vakalevu. Your contributions are recognised, respected and deeply appreciated.”
