Where there is smoke - there's fire it seems

White keen on Wallabies job
10/10/2007 07:39

Sydney - Springboks coach Jake White has expressed interest in coaching the Wallabies in the wake of Australia's shock World Cup exit, it has been reported on Wednesday.

The Australian newspaper said White was keen on taking over from John Connolly as Wallabies mentor if he lost his current job after the World Cup.

The paper suggested that White could be ousted to make way for a black coach as South Africa presses ahead with plans to make the Springboks more racially representative regardless of their World Cup performance.

"Any international job would be something that excites me," White told the newspaper when asked about how he would react to an approach from Australia.

The Springboks have assumed the mantle of tournament favourites after New Zealand's departure and White admitted he wanted to remain on the world stage if South Africa decided he was no longer needed.

"I want to stay in international rugby," he said. "Once you've coached in international rugby, you want to stay in it. It's in your blood."

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) will launch an international search for Connolly's successor, with Canterbury Crusaders coach Robbie Deans believed to be the top target, although New Zealand are favourites to secure his services.