Jake White, who guided South Africa to the Rugby World Cup in 2007, has been appointed to lead Fiji at next year’s men’s tournament in Australia.
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) announced the appointment on Tuesday. White beat a strong field of applicants that included Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards.
White replaces Senirusi Seruvakula, who was appointed on an interim basis in April. Seruvakula oversaw the Flying Fijians’ mid-year Tests in July and the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup last month.
A record of success
White coached South Africa from 2004 to 2007. He also steered the ACT Brumbies to the 2013 Super Rugby final. His international experience includes a technical advisory role with Tonga in 2014, and he has coached in France and Japan.
White’s message to Fiji
White described the appointment as “an incredible honour” and praised the nation’s players.
“Fiji holds a special place in world rugby. There are very few nations where the game means so much to its people, and where the players bring such extraordinary natural ability, courage and passion to the field,” White said in a statement.
“Having coached at the highest level, including at a Rugby World Cup, I understand the preparation, discipline, belief and collective commitment required to compete against the best teams in the world.”
White said he sees significant potential in the squad. “What excites me most about Fiji is the potential. This is a nation that has already shown it can challenge the world’s rugby powers. My responsibility is to work with the players, coaches and everyone involved in Fiji Rugby to build on that foundation and turn potential into consistent performances.”
He also stressed that he would preserve the team’s identity. “I am not coming to Fiji to change what makes Fijian rugby special. I want to protect that identity, strengthen it and combine it with the structures, discipline and winning habits that will allow these players to express their talents on the biggest stage.”
Immediate challenges
White’s first match will be a historic Test against Japan. Fiji then face France, Ireland and Italy in November. “Every one of those matches will be an opportunity to learn, improve and establish the standards we need heading towards Rugby World Cup 2027,” White said.
He concluded: “I know what winning a Rugby World Cup means to a country. I have seen how it can unite a nation and inspire generations. The talent is here. The passion is here. Now we must put in the work to build something truly special.”
World Cup pool and a reunion with the Springboks
The World Cup starts on October 1. Fiji have been drawn in a pool with Spain, Canada and Argentina. They will aim to improve on their quarter-final showing in 2023 in France, when they recorded a historic win over the Wallabies.
White, who is 62, will also face his former team. Fiji meet South Africa in a warm-up match in September on the NSW Central Coast, as the Springboks chase a third consecutive Rugby World Cup title.