Blue Bulls appoint Jake White as Director of Rugby

The Blue Bulls on Wednesday appointed Jake White as Director of Rugby.

The World Cup-winning Springbok coach will have a contract with the Bulls which runs until the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

White takes over the position vacated by Alan Zondagh, who stepped down earlier this year.

White has recently been coaching the Toyota Verblitz in Japan and joins the Bulls with over four decades of coaching experience stretching back to the early 1980s.

His global experience at the highest levels, particularly in Super Rugby as the former coach of both the Sharks and Brumbies, will benefit the Bulls as they continue to add to their resources.

Blue Bulls chief executive Alfonso Meyer said: “We are extremely excited with Jake’s decision to join us. His credentials speak for itself and we know his contributions are only going to improve our rugby across the board.

“Jake’s appointment is yet another step in the right direction as we endeavour to take this brand into a new era. We wish him well in his new role,” said Meyer.

White said: “The Vodacom Bulls brand has always been a powerhouse in rugby, and respected around the world.

“There are a great history and heritage here, and I’m looking forward to adding my contribution to the Bulls’ legacy. The shareholders, Remgro, Patrice Motsepe and the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, together with the staff, have an amazing ambition to not only take the Bulls back to number one but also re-invent and re-mould the face of rugby in this country.”

“We need to re-build a winning culture at Loftus, and that will no doubt bring the fans back to their beloved Loftus Versfeld. This won’t be easy, but we are up for it.”

The former Bok coach is also keen to do his bit to indirectly contribute to the national setup: “It’s no secret that our franchise rugby needs to be strong for the Boks to be strong. I’m looking forward to doing whatever it takes help keep them at number one.”

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