Jake White emerges as favorite for Fiji head coach role

Former Springboks head coach Jake White has emerged as the leading candidate to become Fiji’s next permanent head coach. White, who guided South Africa to Rugby World Cup victory in 2007, is reportedly on a shortlist of 31 applicants seeking to lead the team through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Fiji has been without a permanent head coach since Mick Byrne stepped down in April, with Senirusi Seruvakula currently serving in an interim capacity. While other notable figures such as Warren Gatland have reportedly applied, sources indicate that White is currently regarded as the favorite for the position.

If appointed, the 62-year-old White would return to international coaching for the first time since his tenure with South Africa. He would take charge of a team currently ranked 10th in the world, which is scheduled to compete in Pool C of the 2027 World Cup against Argentina, Canada, and Spain.