'No need for White to explain'

Canberra - Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen says Jake White has the unwavering support of the playing group and insists the coach does not need to explain the latest rumour linking him to England's top rugby job.

Speculation mounted earlier this week that White was one of three candidates to be interviewed to take over the England coaching reins later this year.

Blogging on The Canberra Times website on Tuesday, Mowen said White had not discussed the ongoing off-field rumours with the playing group.

It's the second time White has been linked to an international coaching job.

At the end of last year's World Cup, speculation began about a possible return to South Africa for White to coach the Springboks.

''He hasn't said anything, and we definitely don't feel like he has to,'' Mowen said.

''There were a lot of rumours late last year of him possibly putting himself up for the South African job, but he reaffirmed to the whole group that he is committed here for four years.

''But there would be continued speculation. He is committed to build what we have here.

''So, after hearing that, that's the last of the explanation there needs to be for the playing group.''

White has previously acknowledged his desire to return to the international stage. But the World Cup-winning mentor said he was committed to his deal in Canberra and any plans he had to be a Test coach were in the future.