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Jake White's hollow words

Sydney - Jake White has evoked the wrath of Australian scribes following his appointment as the Sharks' new Director of Rugby.

VIDEO: Jake White: I'm an Aussie!

GALLERY: Jake's 1st Sharks training session

The coach's recent comments will have done nothing to endear himself to his former franchise after an interview with BallzRadio where he hailed his move to the Sharks as a ''dream come true.''

''To get an opportunity to coach a franchise like this and have John (Smit) as a boss, I think it's the envy of a lot of coaches around the world.

''I'm already at the practice as we speak ... for me it's about moving (to Durban) lock, stock and barrel. I'll be here every training session. It's a bit like Canberra, I've got to make sure I'm committed,'' White said.

The former Brumbies coach has reportedly refused to speak to Australian reporters about his departure, or his new role with the Sharks.

Another sore point for Brumbies fans is how White claimed one of the reasons he wanted to return to South Africa after missing out on the Wallabies job was to be closer to his family.

However, his move to Durban to lead the Sharks (his wife and sons are based in Cape Town) will also stir up the pot.

But when the Sharks tour Australia in next year's Super Rugby competition, White's old words may well come back to haunt him...

The Brumbies will host the Sharks in Canberra on May 10 in next year's Super Rugby tournament.

Jake's 'little white lies' as quoted in interviews with Australian media:

August 10, 2013

"There's a general feeling in the club that we haven't even played our best rugby yet. We know we can get better, we know the graph is still going upwards. We have to take positives out of that, but we're not happy coming second. Our intention was to win the championship and that's still our goal (in 2014)."

July 11, 2013

Sean Maloney: You've been really well-liked since coming and calling Canberra home, you're not going to run off and leave us now are you?
Jake White: No mate. I'm an Aussie!

July 10, 2013

"I wish Ewen (McKenzie) all the best. I really believe the ARU went for the best candidate for the job and I have to respect that."

April 20, 2013

"I'm not available (for the Ireland job), I've made it quite clear that I've got a Brumbies contract and I'm here with a job to do. I'm coaching boys in Australia and I'm enjoying that. I'm really not in the market for every coaching job that pops up."

March 17, 2013

"Australian rugby has been good to me and of course I have a goal to get back to international rugby. But I'm focusing on the Brumbies, I've got a four-year deal and... I'm going to look after the Brumbies because they're my No 1 priority."

July 13, 2012


"I know where the Brumbies want to be, I know how I want them to play and I know what players I need... but what I've enjoyed is that everyone has stayed in their lane, the CEO and the board have backed me and that's all I could ask."

March 10, 2012

"I'm committed and I see the bigger picture here at the Brumbies and my four years isn't a jail sentence. I want to be here, I want to be a part of it... There's no use talking the talk if you can't walk the walk."

March 10, 2012

"The bottom line is simple... I've signed on the dotted line and you have to judge people by their actions... there's no uncertainty, I've committed myself to four years with the Brumbies."

April 18, 2012

"I said to (the players) I want to plan for the future and I'd rather find out now whether they're in or they're out. It's in line with what I've been saying, I want to keep this squad together."

October 12, 2011

"I'd like to coach international rugby again when that opportunity arises. But I'm contracted... and I would never desert the Brumbies."
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