Former Springboks head coach Jake White, who guided South Africa to glory at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, has been appointed the new head coach of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians.
The 62-year-old South African takes over from interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula as Fiji prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
White was shortlisted for the position alongside former Wales and British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland and former France defence coach Shaun Edwards.
His appointment brings one of international rugby’s most experienced coaches to Fiji, with a career spanning more than four decades.
White’s greatest achievement came in 2007 when he guided South Africa to their second Rugby World Cup title, defeating England 15-6 in the final in Paris.
He coached the Springboks from 2004 to 2007, during which South Africa also won the 2004 Tri Nations championship.
White was named International Rugby Board Coach of the Year in both 2004 and 2007 and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011.
Before taking charge of the Springboks, he had already established his credentials by guiding South Africa’s Under-21 team to World Cup victory in 2002.
Following his departure from the Springboks, White continued his coaching career across several major rugby competitions.
He coached Australia’s ACT Brumbies, leading them to the 2013 Super Rugby final, before returning to South Africa to take charge of the Sharks.
His international experience also includes a technical advisory role with Tonga in 2014.
White subsequently coached French club Montpellier, where he won the European Challenge Cup, before moving to Japan’s Toyota Verblitz.
In 2020, he returned to South Africa as director of rugby at the Bulls, guiding the Pretoria-based franchise to domestic success and three United Rugby Championship finals during his tenure.
He left the Bulls in 2025 and subsequently worked as a rugby consultant at Selborne College in South Africa.
His appointment comes as Fiji looks to strengthen its international performances ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Flying Fijians have been drawn in Pool C alongside Argentina, Canada and Spain.
White will be tasked with building on Fiji’s historic quarter-final appearance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, while preparing the side to compete consistently against the world’s leading rugby nations.
