The Vodacom Bulls have officially announced the signing of Jake White as its new director of rugby until the end of the 2023 season.
The former World Cup-winning Springbok coach assumes the position vacated by Alan Zondagh, who stepped down earlier this year.
White has recently been coaching Toyota Verblitz in Japan and joins the Bulls with over four decades of coaching experience stretching back to the early 1980s. Apart from leading the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007, White also coached the Sharks, Brumbies and Montpellier.
Commenting on his return to the South African landscape, White said: ‘The Bulls brand has always been a powerhouse in rugby, and respected around the world. There’s a great history and heritage here, and I’m looking forward to adding my contribution to the Bulls’ legacy. The shareholders, Remgro, Patrice Motsepe and the BBRU, together with the staff, have an amazing ambition to not only take the Bulls back to number one, but also reinvent and re-mould the face of rugby in this country.’
‘We need to re-build a winning culture at Loftus, and that will no doubt bring the fans back to their beloved Loftus Versfeld. This won’t be easy, but we are up for it.’
The former Bok coach also admitted to being keen to do his bit to indirectly contribute to the national setup.
‘It’s no secret that our franchise rugby needs to be strong for the Boks to be strong. I’m looking forward to doing whatever it takes help keep them at number one.’
Blue Bulls Company chief executive Alfonso Meyer said everyone at the Bulls are excited to have White at the union and hope that his involvement ushers in a new, successful era at Loftus.
‘We are extremely excited with Jake’s decision to join us. His credentials speak for itself and we know his contributions are only going to improve our rugby across the board. Jake’s appointment is yet another step in the right direction as we endeavour to take this brand into a new era. We wish him well in his new role,’ said Meyer.
