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Cape Town - Montpellier coach Jake White has hit back at those accusing him of being a mercenary.
The former Springbok coach has built a reputation in recent times for not seeing out his contracts - he left the Brumbies and Sharks without seeing out his full stints.
White took over from Fabien Galthie as Montpellier head coach last month, signing a six-month deal.
His appointment was greeted with some shock in French rugby circles, as well as South Africans questioning White's loyalty to the cause.
However, in an interview with TimesLIVE, White said: "I'm a rugby coach, that's my job, so I don't really worry about what people are saying about my decision to come here. (Montpellier). I coach, and this is a good opportunity to coach at a club with ambition."
White also indicated that there's a possibility of his contract at Montpellier being extended to two years.
He said it would give him time to build something at the club and he confirmed that they would be looking to bolster their ranks after this year's Rugby World Cup.
White made a good start to his French stint when Montpellier beat champions Toulon 16-12 in the Top 14, before losing 20-13 at Oyonnax last weekend. They are currently eighth on the log after 16 rounds, with the top six qualifying for the playoffs.
The former Springbok coach has built a reputation in recent times for not seeing out his contracts - he left the Brumbies and Sharks without seeing out his full stints.
White took over from Fabien Galthie as Montpellier head coach last month, signing a six-month deal.
His appointment was greeted with some shock in French rugby circles, as well as South Africans questioning White's loyalty to the cause.
However, in an interview with TimesLIVE, White said: "I'm a rugby coach, that's my job, so I don't really worry about what people are saying about my decision to come here. (Montpellier). I coach, and this is a good opportunity to coach at a club with ambition."
White also indicated that there's a possibility of his contract at Montpellier being extended to two years.
He said it would give him time to build something at the club and he confirmed that they would be looking to bolster their ranks after this year's Rugby World Cup.
White made a good start to his French stint when Montpellier beat champions Toulon 16-12 in the Top 14, before losing 20-13 at Oyonnax last weekend. They are currently eighth on the log after 16 rounds, with the top six qualifying for the playoffs.
