Jake White leaves Bulls after reported player revolt
End of the road The Bulls have announced that head coach Jake White has left his position at the franchise. Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
After weeks of speculation, former Springbok coach Jake White has left the Bulls after five years in charge of the Tshwane-based franchise.
It had widely been reported after last month’s United Rugby Championship final, won 32–7 by Leinster, that a number of Bulls players were not happy with White’s comments after the game.
It was the third URC final the Bulls had lost in the last four years, and White complained in the post-match press conference that the players available to him were not on the same level as Leinster’s.
This led to a player revolt, reportedly led by captain Ruan Nortje and Marcell Coetzee, who took their complaints that they were not happy with his leadership style to management. It was also reported that White and his assistant coaches Chris Rossouw and Andries Bekker had fallen out.
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Now, it seems the Bulls have acted on those complaints and relieved the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning coach of his position.
“Jake has tremendous rugby IP, and that has been visible in the way he was able to transfer it into our structures, and as a club we remain grateful for those contributions made during his tenure,” Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said in a statement on Friday.
“He did amazing work here, and it was a privilege to work with him as he helped our team become a superpower again. He has given us a great platform to build upon with a talented crop of young players who are just finding their true offering.
“He also helped the bigger playing group develop, with 10 emerging to play for the Springboks. This encouraging growth also ensured we were often in the mix for silverware.”
Commenting on his departure, White said: “I would like to thank all the loyal supporters, the Bulls staff that worked tirelessly, and the players for their hard work and dedication. I wish Blue Bulls Rugby Union president Willem Strauss and the amateur game lots of success in the future.
“To the shareholders, I will always be grateful for all the support and financial backing they gave, far and beyond any other club. Thank you for the privilege.
“To the board for their support and CEO Edgar Rathbone, coaches, and management – it was great to be part of this winning culture. To be part of Bulls rugby history has been an absolute honour. I wish Bulls rugby all the best. Hou die blou bol!”
Former Lions coach Johan Ackermann, as well as Bath’s Johann van Graan, are the favourites to replace White as coach.
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