# Fiji rugby head coach appointment > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fiji-rugby-head-coach-appointment > Updated: 2026-10-25T04:49:13.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 5. Former Springboks head coach Jake White emerged as the leading candidate to lead Fiji’s national rugby team following a search involving 31 applicants. Fiji had been utilizing interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula since Mick Byrne stepped down in April. Fiji Rugby Union subsequently appointed White as the new head coach. He has signed a short-term contract intended to run through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. To assist with talent identification, White plans to relocate to Fiji and work with the Fijian Drua. Fiji Rugby Union Chairman John Sanday characterized the appointment as a “statement of intent” to develop a more disciplined and competitive squad. White, who previously led South Africa to a Rugby World Cup title in 2007, was selected from a field that included candidates such as Warren Gatland. In discussing his leadership approach, White expressed a commitment to building trust and unity by citing the Fijian principle of ‘soria soribaki’ as a guiding philosophy for collective commitment. White’s tenure began with a 34-28 victory against Japan at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo, a match held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Football Union. Despite being reduced to 14 men following a red card for Motikiai Murray, Fiji secured the win through tries from Kitione Salawa, Tevita Ikanivere, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, and Terio Tamani, with Ben Volavola converting two decisive second-half penalties. Marking his return to international coaching after 20 years, White praised the team’s ability to maintain control during the match’s closing stages. Looking toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup, White has called upon villages, chiefs, and island communities to help uncover talent in rural areas, citing former stars like Rupeni Caucaunibuca and Sitiveni Sivivatu as examples of players found outside traditional pathways. ## Claims - Jake White has been appointed as the head coach of Fiji. (corroborated by 3 sources) - White previously led South Africa to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title. (corroborated by 3 sources) - White replaces interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The contract is for a short term until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. (single source) - White will make his debut in a test against Japan in Tokyo next week. (single source) - Fiji is ranked 10th in the world. (single source) - Fiji is in Pool C with Argentina, Canada, and Spain for the 2027 World Cup. (single source) - White will relocate to Fiji and work with the Fijian Drua. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Jake White leads Flying Fijians to victory over Japan Fiji head coach Jake White secured a 34-28 win over Japan in his first match, while calling on local communities to help identify new rugby talent for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jake-white-leads-flying-fijians-to-victory-over-japan ### 2026-10-23: Fiji rugby defeats Japan in Tokyo under new coach Jake White Fiji defeated Japan 34-28 in Tokyo, providing new head coach Jake White with a winning start in his first match leading the national team. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-rugby-defeats-japan-in-tokyo-under-new-coach-jake-white ### 2026-10-15: Fiji rugby coach Jake White names squad for Japan Test Fiji head coach Jake White has named a 28-man squad for the upcoming Test against Japan, featuring three uncapped players including Kavekini Boselawa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-rugby-coach-jake-white-names-squad-for-japan-test ### 2026-10-12: Fiji Rugby appoints Jake White as head coach for 2027 World Cup Fiji Rugby has appointed former Springboks World Cup-winning coach Jake White as head coach to lead the Flying Fijians toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-rugby-appoints-jake-white-as-head-coach ### 2026-10-04: Jake White emerges as favorite for Fiji head coach role Former 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White has emerged as the favorite to lead Fiji's rugby team ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jake-white-emerges-as-favorite-for-fiji-head-coach-role --- Cite as: Fiji rugby head coach appointment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fiji-rugby-head-coach-appointment