Publications
Partners
Cape Town - While his focus is on finishing his stint at French club Montpellier on a high, Jake White admits he’d like to coach at international level again.
It was recently confirmed that the former Springbok coach will leave Montpellier after the 2016/17 season, when he will be replaced by current Scotland coach Vern Cotter.
After arriving at Montpellier at the end of 2014, White saved the club from relegation, then won the European Rugby Challenge Cup and reached the Top 14 semi-finals last season.
White expressed an interest in the England head coaching role when it became vacant late last year and he believes it may have contributed to him not getting a contract extension at Montpellier.
READ: Jake White won't be missed at Montpellier
"The owner was probably a little bit jittery about me being linked to the England job," White told BBC Sport.
"I was hoping to continue. But I understand professional rugby. Vern Cotter is available and he has a fantastic record in France."
White is reluctant to talk about his next step, but admitted he’d enjoy coaching at Test level again.
"I would like to finish this campaign properly. I think it's only fair to the players I've asked to stay on, only fair to my president, and only fair that I stay professional and positive," he said.
"I am still young enough to share my experiences, and if I think there is a gig that suits me and I suit the gig as well, then I will look at it.
"I've said it openly, I would like to be back involved in a national set-up. But the most important thing is to focus on this job. Then I will reflect and see what happens."
White, 52, coached the Springboks to the Rugby World Cup title in 2007. He also coached the Brumbies and Sharks in Super Rugby.
