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Rugby Union

Boks in late bid to keep White

05/11/2007

South Africa have made a last-ditch attempt to retain the services of World Cup-winning coach Jake White.

The 44-year-old has fallen out with some senior figures in the South African Rugby Union over political interference in his team selections and how his position was undermined in the midst of the Springboks' successful campaign in France.

During the tournament White was told that he would have to reapply for his head coach role if he wished to stay on beyond the end of the year.

White informed his employers that he would not be bidding for a contract extension and has since been linked with jobs with the English, Welsh and Australian national sides.

However Jonathan Stones, managing director of the SARU's commercial arm SA Rugby, still holds out hope that White will choose to remain in his home country.

"Jake and I have spoken twice this week in my office, and I have not changed my view that I would like him to stay on in one way or another in SA Rugby," he said.

"He has asked for some time and this has been given to him. We would certainly like him to stay one way or another. But if he chooses to go overseas to pursue other options, we will wish him good luck."