Towards the end of last year, it was confirmed that former Springbok coach Jake White would be joining Selborne College in East London as a rugby consultant from 2026.
The 62-year-old was hoping to assist the prestigious Eastern Cape school in strengthening its rugby programme, marking a return to his roots in schoolboy rugby, which was his first known coaching role after abruptly leaving the Bulls last year.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, White has sent a letter to the school explaining that a host of alleged issues – particularly surrounding the lack of backing from Headmaster Andrew Dewar – had left him with little option to step away.
The letter, which has been seen by TheSouthAfrican, suggests that he would only consider returning if a host of conditions were met.
What were the circumstances that led to Jake White leaving Selborne?
In part of the letter, White wrote: “In my initial introduction to Selborne Rugby I was sold a project. This was to get Selborne Rugby up to a level of excellence. I was under the impression that the Headmaster was totally on board. Totally!!
“I have felt that the Headmaster is not totally committed to the changes needed or expected.Through my experience as a teacher, it’s a futile project unless the Headmaster backs it 100%. After some reflection I think it would be better for me to step away from the Selborne project.”
The former World Cup winning coach then goes on to list a host of examples that outline the issues and obstacles he has faced.
“You would be aware that associating my name with a rugby programme can be beneficial or detrimental to my own career,” he adds.
“I feel that I cannot deliver on the expectations with all the continuous obstacles I face along the way. I therefore say it again. I will no longer be involved with Selborne Rugby. Thanks so much for your support.”
However, White does then add a caveat to say that if several things were put in place and rectified, then he would consider continuing.
Looking at other options
Interestingly, it was reported last month that White was one of the leading candidates under consideration to be contracted by Benetton, but ultimately Benetton opted to appoint former Wales boss Wayne Pivac as their new head coach from next season.
Speaking to Rugby365, White said he still felt that there was still a lot of value he could add at Test level when considering all the experience on his side.
“I was 40 when I coached South Africa, and before I turned 44, I’d won the World Cup and finished coaching them,” he said. “I haven’t been involved in Test rugby since then.
“So when you ask if I want to get back, I still feel I have unfinished business at that level. Why is it that younger coaches are in front?” he added. “In my time, serving your apprenticeship and gaining experience was seen as a positive.
“Now you see coaches coming through in their 30s or early 40s and jumping ahead of those who’ve spent years building up that knowledge.”
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