Recent French reports suggesting that Jake White would assume the coaching position at Bayonne have been significantly overstated, as the World Cup-winning former Springboks coach has already participated in a video interview for the Brumbies position this week.
Last week in Canberra, there was brief confusion when French media indicated that, following Michel Cacoualt’s appointment as Bayonne’s new president, previous plans to appoint White as coach—previously hindered by the outgoing club president—would be revisited.
Initially, those plans entailed the former Les Bleus national coach and current French Sports Minister, Bernard Laporte, taking over as club president. However, Cacoualt’s selection was seen as a compromise sufficiently agreeable to White.
Fortunately for the Brumbies, the former South Africa coach has moved on. Just as the influx of text messages led Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan to ponder the possible truth behind the media claims, a well-timed phone call came through.
“White reached out to confirm that he is primarily interested in the Brumbies job,” said Fagan.
“I was aware of the entire Bayonne situation, but receiving his call was reassuring. He remains a strong contender.”
In fact, it appears that he is leading the competition. White has certainly gained a head start in presenting his case to Fagan, Joe Roff, and the other members of the Brumbies’ coaching selection panel, conducting his presentation via video conference from South Africa earlier this week.
Interim coach Tony Rea, the only other known candidate out of the four finalists, is also scheduled for an interview this week.
While the Brumbies have demonstrated clear improvement under his leadership, he recognizes that securing just one victory in six matches since taking over from Andy Friend is not sufficient.
The Brumbies, who have already accepted the loss of Test stalwarts Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper by the end of the season, have faced another setback. Mitchell Chapman, a Wallabies tour backrower, has just finalized terms with a Japanese club.
Chapman did not disclose which club he will join for the next two years; an announcement will be made from Japan soon. “I hope the news will surface in the next few days,” said the veteran with 62 Super Rugby caps.
For the last five weeks, Chapman has been sidelined, recovering from a broken cheekbone and a fractured eye socket he incurred in an accidental head clash with teammate Colby Faingaa during the match against the Crusaders.
However, the backrower is optimistic about receiving medical clearance to resume play during the tour of South Africa.
If he does succeed, he may face some challenges with airport security, as three plates were inserted in his head following the injury.
The Brumbies’ other notable injuries, Rocky Elsom, Stephen Moore, and Huia Edmonds, are also expected to return during the tour, which includes games against the Cheetahs and Sharks.
The team is set to depart for South Africa on Sunday, with Rea expressing that even though the Brumbies didn’t perform poorly in their recent loss to the Force, they need to become much more ruthless and persistent.
“We’ve got to do the grind,” Rea stated.
“If we stay focused and put in the hard work, we’ll achieve our goals, but there is no quick fix to the challenges we face.”
by Buford Balony
