Rugby
Brumbies: White going nowhere
2011-11-28 09:28
Sydney - Australia's Brumbies said on Monday their Rugby World Cup-winning coach
Jake White would not be leaving them for the vacant England job.
White, who masterminded South Africa's World Cup triumph in 2007, has been linked to the England position after Martin Johnson's resignation in the wake of his side's controversial World Cup in New Zealand last month.
White, 48, dropped a hint Sunday through the British media that he would welcome an approach to succeed Johnson as England coach.
"I'm sure if an opportunity came about, it's something I'd like to do again," White told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme.
Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said White still had international rugby ambitions, but not before his four-year contract with the Canberra-based Super 15 franchise was carried through.
"Whenever anyone asks him if he's interested in international jobs, he'll forever say yes," Fagan told reporters. "But he's not talking about now."
Fagan said White, who took up his new position at the Brumbies in May, reaffirmed his commitment to the organisation on Monday.
"He (White) called me into his office and said I just want to clarify that I'm 100 percent committed," Fagan said.
"He's made it abundantly clear to us. I wasn't concerned by the articles.
"I see it more that we've got a World Cup-winning coach so with his credentials, whenever there's a vacant job, his name will be linked to it."
Fagan said there was no clause in White's Brumbies' contract that allowed him to seek a release for an international position.
"Nor did he ask for one," he said.
Johnson stepped down earlier this month in response to England's dismal 2011 World Cup campaign, which was dominated by off-field scandals and lacklustre on-field performances, ending in a quarter-final defeat by France.