Jake White named new Fiji head coach

Fiji have appointed Rugby World Cup-winning coach Jake White as their new head coach, with the experienced South African set to lead the Flying Fijians into the 2027 tournament in Australia.

Jake White takes charge of Fiji

White, who guided South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007, replaces interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula.

Seruvakula had been placed in temporary charge following Mick Byrne’s departure in April and oversaw Fiji’s mid-year Tests and 2026 Pacific Nations Cup campaign.

White’s first assignment will come against Japan in Tokyo on October 24 before Fiji head to Europe for the November Nations Championship.

World Cup winner returns to Test coaching

The 62-year-old has not held a full-time international head coach role since leaving the Springboks after their 2007 World Cup triumph.

He did, however, work as a technical adviser with Tonga in 2014 and has since coached at club level in Australia, South Africa, France and Japan.

White most recently coached the Bulls, guiding them to three United Rugby Championship finals before leaving the Pretoria-based side in July 2025.

He has also previously coached the Brumbies, Sharks, Montpellier and Toyota Verblitz.

Fiji prepare for Rugby World Cup 2027

White emerged from a recruitment process that attracted 31 applications, with former Wales coach Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards among the other high-profile names linked with the position.

White will now oversee preparations for a World Cup campaign in which Fiji have been drawn in Pool C alongside Argentina, Spain and Canada.