Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Fiji appoints Rugby World Cup winner Jake White as head coach
Fiji has appointed South African Jake White as head coach ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
White led South Africa to the 2007 World Cup title and takes over from interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula after Fiji’s previous coach, Mick Byrne, left in April.
Fiji reached the last World Cup quarter-finals, but the team lost all three of its Nations Championship matches in July, including a 73-8 defeat by England.
White said he wants to keep Fiji’s distinctive style while adding more structure and improving game management.
His first listed test is against Japan in Tokyo on 24 October, before matches against France, Ireland and Italy.
Fiji will face Argentina, Spain and Canada in its World Cup pool, while White aims to prepare the squad for the tournament.
Fiji appointed South African Jake White as head coach ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
White replaces interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula after Mick Byrne’s departure in April.
White led South Africa to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title and has coached the Bulls.
He said his challenge is to prepare Fiji’s players well and add structure while preserving their style of play.
Fiji lost all three of its Nations Championship games in July and will face Japan in Tokyo on 24 October.
- Who
- Fiji appointed Jake White, a South African coach who led the Springboks to the 2007 World Cup title.
- What
- White will take over as Fiji’s head coach, replacing interim boss Senirusi Seruvakula.
- When
- The appointment was reported on 13 October 2026. White is due to lead Fiji into next year’s Rugby World Cup.
- Where
- Fiji; the World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia.
- Why
- The Fijian Rugby Union wanted an experienced appointment. White said he aims to improve preparation, confidence and game management while keeping Fiji’s style of play.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
White guided South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in France.
White had a stint as a technical advisor with Tonga.
Mick Byrne departed as Fiji coach.
Fiji lost all three of its Nations Championship games, including 73-8 against England.
Fiji’s appointment of White was reported.
Fiji are due to play Japan in Tokyo.
- New head coach
- Jake White
- Previous coach
- Interim boss Senirusi Seruvakula
- World Cup title
- White led South Africa to victory in 2007
- Upcoming Test
- Japan, Tokyo, 24 October
- World Cup venue
- Australia
- Pool C opponents
- Argentina, Spain and Canada
What people are saying
I'd like to say we want to have the best-prepared group of players ever to go to a World Cup. That'll be our challenge.
To be fair about the Fijians, they have lacked a bit of confidence this year. Technically, working on game management, that's one area. The theory for me is we want Fiji to play like Fiji but just give them a little bit more structure, a little bit more formation.
Sources
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