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Jake's release cost 'six figures'

Cape Town - It cost Jake White a substantial amount to leave his post as Brumbies coach.

GALLERY: Jake at Sharks training

White, 50, sensationally resigned as Brumbies coach a few weeks ago, midway through his four-year tenure.

The Brumbies allowed White to leave, but according to the Sydney Morning Herald website, White had to pay them a six-figure amount in compensation to seek an early release from his contract.

White has since been appointed as the Sharks' Director of Coaching, where he will replace Brendan Venter, effectively starting his three-year tenure at the end of October.

However, whether White will see out the three full years on his contract remains to be seen.

"The one thing John (Smit, Sharks CEO) understands is that I really want to coach international rugby again," White said on Monday after he was unveiled as Sharks coach.

"I've played open cards with him and part of that is making this organisation become the best.

"I'm committed to the Sharks now and this is not a case of leaving them in the lurch. When the World Cup comes and whatever opportunities there are, I'll knock on John's door and if there aren't any then I'll stay here - that's if I've done enough for him to renew my contract."

Meanwhile, White's resignation at the Brumbies also evoked the wrath of Australian scribes.

White 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.
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