South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White has been appointed to lead Fiji into next year's men's tournament in Australia.
White, who helped the Springboks lift the Webb Ellis trophy in 2007, was announced by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) on Tuesday after beating a strong field of applicants including Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards.
He replaces Senirusi Seruvakula, who was appointed to the position on an interim basis in April and oversaw the Flying Fijians' mid-year Tests in July, as well as the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup last month.
White coached South Africa from 2004 to 2007 and also steered the ACT Brumbies to the 2013 Super Rugby final.
His international experience includes a technical advisory role with Tonga in 2014 and he has also coached in France and Japan.
“It is an incredible honour to be given the opportunity to lead the Flying Fijians. Fiji holds a special place in world rugby. There are very few nations where the game means so much to its people, and where the players bring such extraordinary natural ability, courage and passion to the field," White said in a statement.
“Having coached at the highest level, including at a Rugby World Cup, I understand the preparation, discipline, belief and collective commitment required to compete against the best teams in the world.
“What excites me most about Fiji is the potential. This is a nation that has already shown it can challenge the world’s rugby powers. My responsibility is to work with the players, coaches and everyone involved in Fiji Rugby to build on that foundation and turn potential into consistent performances.
“I am not coming to Fiji to change what makes Fijian rugby special. I want to protect that identity, strengthen it and combine it with the structures, discipline and winning habits that will allow these players to express their talents on the biggest stage.
“Our journey begins immediately with the historic Test against Japan, followed by important challenges against France, Ireland and Italy in November. Every one of those matches will be an opportunity to learn, improve and establish the standards we need heading towards Rugby World Cup 2027.
“I know what winning a Rugby World Cup means to a country. I have seen how it can unite a nation and inspire generations.
“The talent is here. The passion is here. Now we must put in the work to build something truly special."
With the World Cup starting on October 1, Fiji have been drawn in a pool alongside Spain, Canada and Argentina and will look to improve on their quarter-final showing in 2023 in France, which included a historic win over the Wallabies.
The 62-year-old will also get a chance to face his former team when Fiji take on South Africa in a warm-up match in September on the NSW Central Coast, as the Springboks eye a third consecutive Rugby World Cup title.
