“Almost unbelievably, South African World Cup-winning coach Jake White has admitted that he is in discussions with British and Irish Lions boss Ian McGeechan about a role with the team for their tour of South Africa in 2009.

White has admitted that he has also been in discussions with both Wasps, where of course McGeechan is Director of Rugby and Saracens, home of his good friend Eddie Jones, about possible short-term deals.

Speaking to the The Times newspaper in his native South Africa, White said: “I’ve made it clear to McGeechan that I’m actively in the market for a job in rugby and I believe I can add value.”

The former schoolmaster though did say that he had no idea whether or not his proposals would be accepted, and that the ball was now very much in the Lions camp’s court.

“It’s up to him and the Lions organisation to decide if they need me,” said the World Cup-winning coach.

“It’s something I would consider. Rugby is a professional game and if there are no opportunities that suit me in South Africa, I might look at some other options.”

The 44-year-old has yet to take up a new coaching job since leaving his world champion Springboks last year, but has now made clear his ambitions to get back into the sport in some capacity.

“Saracens have offered me a contract to work there for a week or two and McGeechan, at Wasps, has offered me a similar deal,” White said.

“Now I’m suddenly faced with a choice, which was something I didn’t have, or didn’t seek, for almost a year.”

His first choice position of course remains a Director of Rugby post within South African Rugby, one which, at this moment in time, still does not even exist within the SA set-up.

White said: “I made it clear to South African rugby that I wanted to be involved in helping them because I feel I have a lot to give back to rugby.

“But they haven’t expressed an interest in using me, so I have to look at my options.”“

Source: rugby365.com

Pic: skysports.com