White named Fiji head coach

Jake White, former World Cup-winning Springbok coach, has been appointed head coach of Fiji through RWC 2027 in Australia.

Potential Boks rematch

The tournament draw means Fiji and South Africa won't meet early, but could face each other in the quarterfinals, semifinals or even the final.

Fiji's World Cup history

Fiji reached the quarterfinals in France 2007, losing to White's Boks in Marseille. They made the quarterfinals again in France 2023 before losing to England.

Fiji's sleeping giant status

Fiji won the inaugural Olympic Games Sevens gold medal in Rio in 2016 and has twice made the 15-a-side quarterfinals, showing potential with better preparation.

First test against Japan

White begins his role in Nadi and will take Fiji's first test under his coaching against Japan on October twenty-fourth, coached by his old friend Eddie Jones.

White's ambition for Fiji

White told Daily Maverick his goal is to prepare Fiji as best he can to take the most prepared Fijian rugby team to a World Cup in twenty twenty-seven.

“My goal is to prepare them as best I can so we take the most prepared Fijian rugby team to a World Cup in 2027.”

White's second chance

At sixty-two, White had doubted his chance to coach at test level would come again. He was selected over Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards for the role.

White's emotional response

White told Daily Maverick he got emotional hearing the news, having waited a long time for a second crack at test rugby after thinking his time had passed.

“I've waited a long time to get a second crack at Test rugby. And I generally thought maybe my time had come and gone.”

Fiji's rugby passion

White noted Fiji's passion for rugby, saying someone told him: We love rugby more than religion, and we're very religious.

“We love rugby more than religion, and we're very religious.”

Protecting Fijian identity

White won't change Fiji's identity but will add structure to complement their innate talent and athleticism, protecting what makes Fijian rugby special.

“I am not coming to Fiji to change what makes Fijian rugby special.”

Logistical challenges ahead

Fiji's best players are spread across France and Britain. White called it a daunting challenge but said his experience coaching in different countries is a strength.

November test schedule

After Japan on October twenty-fourth, Fiji will face France, Ireland and Italy in November before the Rugby World Cup in twenty twenty-seven.

World Cup warm-up against Boks

Fiji will face the Springboks in a World Cup warm-up game next year in Gosford, New South Wales, before the tournament begins.