White ends Springboks reign

World Cup-winning head coach Jake White has ended his spell in charge of South Africa, the country's governing body has confirmed - clearing the decks to pursue any potential interest from England.

SA Rugby have already compiled a shortlist of four possible replacements after White, who led the Springboks to glory in France, told them he did not intend to stay in his post.

And White yesterday voiced his interest in coaching England, who are in the process of conducting a review of the tournament.

Head coach Brian Ashton has yet to receive the full backing of Twickenham chiefs, who will wait until the review is completed next month before deciding whether to extend his contract.

White described the England job as a ‘great opportunity for any coach’ and he could be available for any possible vacancy following the end to his three-year Springbok reign.

A statement on www.sarugby.net read: ‘The panel to appoint the national coach met today in Johannesburg to further discuss the process and to finalise the shortlist for the position of Springbok coach.

‘It was confirmed that Jake White did not apply for the position and he was therefore not considered.

‘SA Rugby recently met with White to discuss the matter, and can confirm that White advised SA Rugby that he does not want to make a decision on his coaching future at this point in time.

‘The panel has therefore compiled a shortlist of four candidates and their names will not be released until they have been informed.’

White took charge of the Boks in 2004 and oversaw a stunning transformation in their fortunes, culminating in the 15-6 win over England in the World Cup final earlier this month.

His availability will certainly register on the radar of England's director of elite rugby Rob Andrew, who is overseeing the Rugby Football Union's review.

White's credentials are impeccable but if Ashton does depart next month, recommending an overseas candidate as his successor might prove problematic for Andrew.

Harlequins director of rugby and former England number eight Dean Richards is one of the leading contenders to profit should Ashton's contract, which expires in December, not be extended.

White is also likely to instead be linked with vacancies in Wales and Australia, whose coaches, Gareth Jenkins and John Connelly, respectively, both left in the wake of early World Cup exits.

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