BRUMBIES coach Jake White's shock resignation from the franchise on Tuesday won't have an effect on Australia's preparations for their clash against the Springboks tomorrow.
That's according to Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie, who named his team yesterday for the Rugby Championship clash at Newlands.
On Wednesday, White met several Brumbies players in Cape Town to explain his decision to quit the Canberra-based franchise halfway through a four-year contract after taking them to the Super Rugby final this year.
Among the delegation who met White were senior players Ben Alexander, Matt Toomua, Ben Mowen, Christian Leali'ifano and Nick White. All are involved in the test match this weekend.
"Obviously the Jake White situation has popped up, it's a reality and the players are aware of it," McKenzie said.
"And whatever happens from a Brumbies' perspective it won't be resolved tomorrow or the next day, but from a clarity point of view the players that are here understand what has transpired.
"The organisation will deal with where they go but the Brumbies players that are here will be able to put that to one side. I don't believe it is a distraction for us."
White has been linked to the director of rugby post at the Sharks. A statement from the union yesterday didn't help to quell the speculation that White will move to Durban.
Sharks chief executive John Smit said: "Here at the Sharks we have a definite plan for our team. Could Jake White add value? Of course he can.
"He is a successful coach with an amazing track record. We would welcome an opportunity to engage with him, should it so arise."
White did take a call from Sowetan but declined to comment on the situation until the details of his contract termination with the Brumbies have been concluded.
Reports out of Australia suggest that the Brumbies might try to block White's move to coach another franchise under a restraint of trade clause in his contract.
Sharks could score from White's shock resignation
BRUMBIES coach Jake White's shock resignation from the franchise on Tuesday won't have an effect on Australia's preparations for their clash against the Springboks tomorrow.
That's according to Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie, who named his team yesterday for the Rugby Championship clash at Newlands.
On Wednesday, White met several Brumbies players in Cape Town to explain his decision to quit the Canberra-based franchise halfway through a four-year contract after taking them to the Super Rugby final this year.
Among the delegation who met White were senior players Ben Alexander, Matt Toomua, Ben Mowen, Christian Leali'ifano and Nick White. All are involved in the test match this weekend.
"Obviously the Jake White situation has popped up, it's a reality and the players are aware of it," McKenzie said.
"And whatever happens from a Brumbies' perspective it won't be resolved tomorrow or the next day, but from a clarity point of view the players that are here understand what has transpired.
"The organisation will deal with where they go but the Brumbies players that are here will be able to put that to one side. I don't believe it is a distraction for us."
White has been linked to the director of rugby post at the Sharks. A statement from the union yesterday didn't help to quell the speculation that White will move to Durban.
Sharks chief executive John Smit said: "Here at the Sharks we have a definite plan for our team. Could Jake White add value? Of course he can.
"He is a successful coach with an amazing track record. We would welcome an opportunity to engage with him, should it so arise."
White did take a call from Sowetan but declined to comment on the situation until the details of his contract termination with the Brumbies have been concluded.
Reports out of Australia suggest that the Brumbies might try to block White's move to coach another franchise under a restraint of trade clause in his contract.
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