Jake White rules himself out of running for Ireland job

Former South Africa coach wants to remain with Brumbies

Former South Africa coach Jake White intends to stay with the Brumbies. Photograph:  Scott Barbour/Getty Images
Former South Africa coach Jake White intends to stay with the Brumbies. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

World Cup-winning coach Jake White has ruled himself out of the running for the Ireland job, saying he wants to continue his work with the Brumbies in Super Rugby.

There were conflicting reports in the Australian media about whether the former South Africa coach had been interviewed for the job over the last 48 hours, but the 50-year-old was quoted this morning ruling out a return to international rugby.

“I’m not available [for the Ireland job], I've made it quite clear that I've got a Brumbies contract and I'm here with a job to do,” White said.

"I'm happy here, I'm coaching boys in Australia and I'm enjoying that. I'm really not in the market for every coaching job that pops up, I'm focusing on the Brumbies and making them better and in turn making Australian rugby better which is one of my briefs as a Super 15 coach in Australia."

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Queensland Reds coach Ewen McKenzie is believed to have gone through the interview process. The former Wallaby prop is leaving the club at the end of this season and has stated his intention of moving to international rugby.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt remains the favourite for the position, while interim Ireland coach Les Kiss is also in the mix to take over from Declan Kidney.