Former Springboks boss Jake White has emerged as a leading contender to become Fiji’s new head coach ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Fiji are searching for a permanent replacement for Mick Byrne, who stepped down from the role in April.
Senirusi Seruvakula has since taken charge on an interim basis, but Fiji Rugby is now moving closer to making a permanent appointment.
Reports suggest 31 candidates applied for the vacancy, with the shortlisting process now underway.
Jake White favourite for Fiji job
Former Wales and British & Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland is also reportedly among those to have applied.
However, South African publication Rapport claims White has made the shortlist and is viewed as one of the leading candidates.
A source told the publication: “He is on their shortlist and is regarded as the favourite. In Fiji, they are already talking about him as the new head coach.”
The successful candidate is expected to lead Fiji through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
World Cup winner wants Test return
Taking the Fiji job would mark White’s first role as an international head coach since leaving South Africa.
White famously guided the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007, beating England 15-6 in the final in Paris.
Since then, he has coached across the world, including spells with the Brumbies, Montpellier and Toyota Verblitz.
Most recently, White was in charge of the Bulls before leaving the South African side last year.
The 62-year-old has made no secret of his desire to return to Test rugby, telling RugbyPass earlier this year that he still feels he has “unfinished business” at international level.
He said: “I haven’t been involved in coaching Test rugby since that time.”
White added: “I still think I have unfinished business at the Test level.”
Fiji targeting another World Cup run
Fiji will arrive in Australia hoping to build on their impressive 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007.
They famously defeated Australia 22-15 during the pool stages before their run ended with a 30-24 defeat against England in Marseille.
The appointment will be a major one for Fiji Rugby as they look to build on that progress and establish themselves among the world's leading Test nations.
Appointing a coach who has already lifted the Webb Ellis Cup would certainly be a major statement ahead of 2027.
