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Jake White quits Sharks

Durban - Jake White has stepped down as the Director of Rugby at the Sharks after just one season in charge.

White led the team to the semi-finals of the Super Rugby competition earlier this year before taking a more advisory role during the Currie Cup campaign, with Brad MacLeod-Henderson taking over the first team coaching duties.

White was also tasked to up skill the young coaches as well as tidy up all rugby structures across the board from the Sharks Academy all the way to the senior team.

White now has the opportunity to move back to his home city of Cape Town, which will bring him closer to his family after a number of years away.

“Jake and I have known each other a long time and were very frank in our discussions regarding this Sharks opportunity back in 2013," Sharks CEO, John Smit, said on the Sharks' official website.

"Jake was excited to implement change as well as be involved with South Africa’s most talented squad but from the outset stated his ambition to be on the international stage again and I was all too happy to have him for however long we could. What he has achieved for us in such a short time is incredible and our staff and players have learned a huge amount."

White said that although he was leaving Durban sooner than anticipated, he was satisfied that his short-term goals had been achieved, chiefly finishing in the top four of Super Rugby, putting coaching structures in place and aiding coaches development.

"I was offered an exciting challenge in a great rugby city," said White. "I believe we put together some excellent structures under new chief executive John Smit, who was always supportive. I'm closing this chapter in my life as I believe it is the right time to do so. I want to thank and acknowledge the Sharks for my time spent with the team.”

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