Jake White has a new international job. Fiji Rugby unveiled the former Springbok coach as head coach of the Flying Fijians on Tuesday, reportedly picking him from a field of 31 applicants. The appointment starts a new chapter for Fiji ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
A busy start
White’s first match is the centenary Test against Japan in Tokyo on 24 October 2026, marking 100 years of the Japan Rugby Football Union. The Flying Fijians then head to Europe for the November Nations Championship, where they face France, Ireland and Italy, plus a playoff match in London.
Why Fiji chose him
White was the Bulls’ director of rugby from 2020 to 2025 and most recently worked as a consultant at Selborne College in East London. Fiji Rugby pointed to his record: Rugby World Cup glory with the Springboks in 2007, the 2004 Tri Nations title, and a world championship with South Africa’s Under-21 side in 2002.
The union’s stated vision is a team that stays “unmistakably Fijian” in identity but becomes more formidable in execution. That means pairing Fiji’s natural strengths with discipline, consistency and tactical intelligence.
White’s pitch
White called the job an honour and said few nations love the game as much as Fiji, or produce players with such natural ability, courage and passion. He said his focus is on potential and turning it into consistent performances. He was clear he isn’t there to change what makes Fijian rugby special, but to protect that identity and add structure and winning habits around it.
He also said that a World Cup win can unite a nation and inspire a generation, and that every Test this year is a chance to set the standards for 2027. His closing message was that the talent and passion are already in Fiji, and now the work begins.
