Former Springboks coach Jake White has been appointed head coach of the Flying Fijians, with the Fiji Rugby Union targeting an improved performance at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday announced White’s appointment today, saying the 62-year-old World Cup-winning coach would bring the experience and leadership needed to help Fiji compete consistently at the highest level.
“Jake brings with him something that very few coaches in world rugby can claim, an experience of leading a team to Rugby World Cup glory,” Sanday said.
White guided South Africa to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title and takes over from interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula as Fiji prepares for the tournament in Australia.
Sanday said the appointment was about more than bringing in a coach with an established international record. He said Fiji Rugby needed to build stronger standards, discipline and a high-performance culture to support the country’s natural rugby talent.
“We have never lacked talent, we have never lacked passion, and we have certainly never lacked the courage to take on the world’s best’
“What we must now build is consistency, discipline, leadership, and a high-performance environment that will allow our extraordinary talent to reach its full potential,” Sanday said.
He said Fiji would travel to Australia for the 2027 World Cup with the ambition of competing against the world’s leading teams rather than simply participating.
“We are not going to Australia simply to make up the numbers. We are going there with a determination to compete, to challenge expectations, and to demonstrate what Fiji can achieve when world-class talent is supported by world-class preparation,” Sanday said.
He said the appointment was also intended to strengthen Fiji Rugby as an institution and establish standards that would remain beyond White’s tenure.
Sanday said the Flying Fijians needed to be recognised not only for their playing style but also for their preparation, performance and consistency.
“We want to build a Flying Fijian team that is not only admired for how it plays, but respected for how it prepares, how it performs, and how consistently it competes,” he said.
Sanday said Fiji’s rugby identity, humility, faith, unity and national pride must remain central to the team’s development.
He called on players and supporters at home and abroad to unite behind the new coach, saying success would require collective support, patience and discipline.
White was shortlisted for the position alongside former Wales and British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland and former France defence coach Shaun Edwards.
His appointment brings decades of international coaching experience to Fiji as the Flying Fijians prepare for the expanded demands of the 2027 World Cup campaign.
In his initial remarks following the announcement, White thanked Sanday for his words and referred to the backing he had received from the FRU chairman.
The appointment marks the start of a new coaching chapter for the Flying Fijians, with the FRU emphasising improved preparation, consistency and performance as key priorities ahead of the 2027 tournament.
