Former Brumbies coach Jake White has been confirmed as the new director of rugby at South Africa’s Super Rugby rivals the Sharks.
The 50-year-old South African surprisingly quit the Brumbies less than two weeks ago with two years still left on his contract.
Just two months after leading the Canberra-based franchise to the Super Rugby final which they lost to the Chiefs, the Johannesburg-born White said he wanted to return to his homeland to be closer to his family.
White was also upset at missing out on the vacant Wallabies job in July, when Ewen McKenzie was appointed to replace Robbie Deans.
The former Springboks’ coach will reunite with his captain from the 2007 World Cup-winning campaign, John Smit, who is the Durban-based Sharks’ chief executive.
White takes over from former Springboks centre Brendan Venter, who was appointed in June this year following the axing of John Plumtree after a disappointing Super Rugby campaign.
“We are immensely happy to confirm the appointment of Jake White as our new director of rugby,” said Smit on the club’s website.
“We formed a formidable relationship during my playing career and I am delighted to re-establish that partnership, which is in line with our vision to take the Sharks to the next level.
“Jake is an experienced coach whose track record speaks volumes about his ability to rally his team and get the best out of them. We are pleased that he has decided to join the Sharks.”