Jake White commits long-term to Bulls

Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has committed for a long-term stay at Loftus Versfeld with a contract extension that will see him at the helm of the side until 2027.

The 58-year-old 2007 World Cup-winning coach joined the Vodacom Bulls in 2020 where he took them to two back-to-back Carling Currie Cup titles as well as the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked crown before steering the side into the inaugural Vodacom United Rugby Championship competition, with the side from Tshwane reaching the final of the cross-hemisphere tournament.

White has now extended his stay in Tshwane for the next five years after penning a contract extension that will see him lead the side until 2027 where the side will be participating in the Vodacom URC, Heineken Champions Cup and the Carling Currie Cup.

“We are thrilled to announce that the Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has committed to remain with the team until 2027,” confirmed Blue Bulls Company CEO, Edgar Rathbone on Friday.

“Jake has had an immeasurable influence at the Vodacom Bulls since his arrival two years ago and continues to build a formidable side that is set to compete against the best in the globe. His records speak for themselves and with this long-term commitment, we can rest assured that he is committed to take the Vodacom Bulls to greater heights over the next few years.”

White is also looking forward to continuing with the work he has started at the franchise.

“It gives me great joy to be able to commit for a long-term period to the Vodacom Bulls. This gives me comfort and confidence in continuing to build a strong team that will compete and be counted among the best rugby sides in the world,” he said.

“I’m grateful to the Blue Bulls Company board, staff and players for their support and confidence in me. I look forward to continuing to work towards elevating the Vodacom Bulls brand and adding more trophies to our cabinet over the next five years.”

Over and above his achievement of leading the Springboks to the World Cup title in 2007, White had a positive influence in other sides he has coached which include the Brumbies in Australia, the Cell C Sharks in South Africa, Montpellier in France and Toyota Verblitz in Japan.

White was also inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011.