After just a year in the role, Jake White has stepped down from his role as Director of Rugby at the Cell C Sharks. White led the Super Rugby side to the semi-finals earlier this year before taking a more hands-off role during the Currie Cup campaign, Brad Macleod-Henderson taking over the majority of the first team coaching duties.
Sharks CEO John Smit confirmed that White’s contract was flexible and that there were no hard feelings about his stepping down now.
“Jake and I have known each other a long time and were very frank in our discussions regarding this Sharks opportunity back in 2013. Jake was excited to implement change as well as be involved with South Africa’s most talented squad but from the outset stated his ambition to be on the international stage again and I was all too happy to have him for however long we could. What he has achieved for us in such a short time is incredible and our staff and players have learned a huge amount.”
White himself said: “I was offered an exciting challenge in a great rugby city. I believe we put together some excellent structures under new chief executive John Smit, who was always supportive. I’m closing this chapter in my life as I believe it is the right time to do so. I want to thank and acknowledge The Sharks for my time spent with the team.”
He is now expected to move back to Cape Town, to be nearer his family, while his name will inevitably crop up next year in the post Rugby World Cup coaching shake-up for any nations who under-perform at England 2015.
