White heads to the Islands
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Tonga have added former Springboks coach Jake White to their backroom staff for the year-end tour to Asia and Europe.
White will serve as a technical advisor to head coach Mana Otai when Tonga plays Georgia, the United States and Scotland next month it was reported by TVNZ.
"Through some mutual acquaintances we got in touch with Jake and he was extremely keen to come on board," Tonga high performance manager Peter Harding told ONE News.
"He's had a great coaching career and has won a World Cup so his presence alone will be massive for the squad."
The 51-year-old, who led South Africa to their second World Cup success in 2007, recently walked out on the Durban-based Sharks to 'free himself up' for international coaching and consulting opportunities.
He also coached the Brumbies to a Super Rugby final in 2013.
The appointment comes as a boost for the Tongan Rugby Union, which recently negotiated new funding in a meeting with IRB officials in Auckland last week.
White has not yet confirmed whether he will continue his new role at next year's World Cup in England but Harding said discussions have been positive.
TVNZ
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