It's official: Jake is gone

NEWS: The worst kept secret has been confirmed. Jake White has left another franchise before his contract was completed.

The Blue Bulls Company confirmed that White will not coach another game at Loftus versfeld, as @rugby365com reported last month.

It follows a similar pattern to other coaching stints, such as the Brumbies, Sharks, and Montpellier, where he had initial success before departing without staying the full term of his contract.

“Following a thorough end-of-season review, the Bulls and Director of Rugby Jake White have mutually agreed to part ways effective immediately,” the franchise said in a statement.

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The breakup follows after White lost the support of his senior players and backroom staff.

Captain Ruan Nortje and fellow Springbok Marcell Coetzee led a player ‘revolt’ which demanded White’s head.

He also lost the support of his assistant coaches Chris Rossouw and Andries Bekker.

White, who arrived at Loftus Versfeld in 2020, quickly made an impact, securing back-to-back championships in Super Rugby Unlocked and the Currie Cup that same season.

His tenure also saw the Bulls reach three United Rugby Championship Finals and achieve knockout appearances in both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.

Edgar Rathbone, CEO of BBCo., acknowledged White’s significant contributions.

“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,” Rathbone said.

“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.”

Blue Bulls Rugby Union President Willem Strauss thanked White for his openness and contributions, especially at the grassroots level.

“On behalf of the union, the supporters, the staff and all our shareholders, I would like to thank Jake for the work he has done, the love and passion he has shown to our players, people and community during his time with us,” Strauss said in a statement.

“His leadership has left a fantastic mark on our club, and the way he fought to get us up when we needed it the most will make him a hero of ours for a long time to come. He leaves the club in a better place than when he arrived.

“During his rugby directorship, he helped elevate our grassroots game in the manner that he devised our integration strategy between the high-performance environment and our club ecosystem.”

Having consulted with the shareholders, White himself stated his decision was based on a desire for the team to find a new voice.

“I have made the decision to move on,” White said, adding: “With many years’ coaching experience, I felt it would be difficult to get the squad to perform to the next level.

“Therefore, in the best interest of both myself and the Bulls I feel it’s time for a new chapter. It’s time for this group to have a new voice.

“I have enjoyed my time in Pretoria. I met some wonderful friends. I believe that rugby is like life – you win some you lose some. You learn as you grow. You need to be strong and courageous and, most importantly, it isn’t always fair.

“I would like to thank all the loyal supporters, the Bulls staff that worked tirelessly, and to the players for their hard work and dedication.

“I wish BBRU 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 bo!”

@king365ed
@rugby365com