Friday Round-Up

White call for Montpellier: According to reports emanating out of French rugby circles today, world renowned coach Jake White is being lined up for a role at Top 14 outfit Montpellier. White, the former boss at the Sharks and the Brumbies, is said to be close to finalising a deal which would see him instilled as the team’s manager, operating above current head coach Fabien Galthie. Galthie, who has been under severe pressure this season, bought himself some time last week, after his side ended their woeful run of results with a crucial win over French giants Toulouse. 51 year old White, who led the Springboks to being crowned World Champions at the 2007 edition of the World Cup, would bring with him a wealth of experience to the role and would reportedly be in charge of the team completely, with Galthie operating as a hands on coach. An initial six month contract is said to be in place with White’s arrival potentially a means to an end for Montpellier’s association with Galthie. Should Galthie walk away upon White’s official arrival, the club would be left with a far smaller pay out.

Record not a burden: According to Ospreys backs coach Gruff Rees, the club’s record against fellow Welsh outfits is nothing of a burden, as the men from Swansea prepare to take on the Scarlets later today. Currently enjoying an unbeaten run of sixteen Guiness Pro12 wins over local rivals, Rees was quick to dismiss concerns around being under pressure to perform, stating rather that the club take one game at a time, irrespective of the nationality of each opposition. After last weekend’s 31-20 victory over Irish province Ulster, the Ospreys find themselves perched at the summit of the Guiness Pro12 log, with a win against the Scarlets set to further cement their position as league leaders after an impressive start to the season.

Ryan Sheady