FIJI RUGBY ANNOUNCES JAKE WHITE AS HEAD COACH OF THE FIJI WATER FLYING FIJIANS AHEAD OF RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027
Fiji Rakavi Football Union (FRFU) is proud to announce the appointment of Rugby World Cup-winning coach Jake White as the new Head Coach of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, marking a defining moment in the nation’s rugby journey and the beginning of an ambitious new chapter towards Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
A proven winner on rugby’s biggest stage, White brings international pedigree, championship-winning experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to build a team capable of competing against the world’s best.
He arrives in Fiji with one of the most distinguished coaching records in international rugby, having guided South Africa’s Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007, secured the Tri Nations title in 2004 and led South Africa’s Under-21 side to a world championship in 2002.
His appointment represents more than a change in leadership. It signals FRFU’s determination to build on the proud foundations of Fijian rugby, strengthen the national team’s competitiveness and pursue a new standard of excellence on the world stage.
A WORLD CUP WINNER MEETS A NATION THAT LIVES FOR RUGBY
Few nations share a connection with rugby as powerful as Fiji. From village grounds and school competitions to packed international stadiums, rugby is woven into the identity, pride and aspirations of the Fijian people.
The Flying Fijians have long captured the imagination of the rugby world through their courage, creativity, physicality and extraordinary natural talent.
Fiji Rugby is focused on combining those uniquely Fijian strengths with the discipline, consistency, tactical intelligence and high-performance standards required to succeed at the highest level.
The vision is clear: to build a Flying Fijians team that remains unmistakably Fijian in its identity but is increasingly formidable in its execution.
This new chapter is about unlocking the full potential of Fijian rugby while preserving the fearless spirit that has earned the Flying Fijians admiration across the world.
THE ROAD TO AUSTRALIA 2027 BEGINS NOW
White’s first assignment will be the historic centenary Test against Japan in Tokyo on 24 October 2026, a significant international occasion marking 100 years of the Japan Rugby Football Union. The encounter will provide an immediate opportunity for the new Head Coach to begin shaping the team’s direction, assessing its strengths and establishing the standards that will underpin the road to Rugby World Cup 2027.
The Flying Fijians will then travel to Europe for the November Nations Championship, facing three formidable opponents in France, Ireland and Italy and a playoff match in London.
These encounters will provide valuable opportunities to test Fiji against established international opposition, strengthen combinations, develop consistency and accelerate the team’s preparation for the challenges ahead. Every training session, every selection and every Test match will form part of a wider mission: building a team prepared to compete with confidence, resilience and purpose when the world’s best assemble in Australia in 2027.
BUILDING MORE THAN A TEAM — BUILDING A LEGACY
White’s experience in international and professional rugby brings valuable leadership to this next phase. Beyond his success with South Africa, he has held senior coaching roles with the ACT Brumbies in Australia, the Sharks and Bulls in South Africa, Montpellier in France and Toyota Verblitz in Japan.
His experience across different rugby environments will be important as Fiji Rugby continues to strengthen its high-performance culture and develop the next generation of international players. The ambition extends beyond the results of a single tournament.
It is about building a stronger foundation for the future, creating an environment where players can fulfil their potential, and inspiring young Fijians who dream of one day wearing the white jersey.
ONE TEAM. ONE NATION. ONE PURPOSE.
As the Flying Fijians prepare for Rugby World Cup 2027, Fiji Rugby calls on supporters at home and across the global Fijian diaspora to unite behind the team and embrace this new chapter with pride and belief.
The journey will demand hard work, sacrifice, discipline and unity. But it will also carry the hopes of a nation that has never stopped believing in the power of its rugby.
Fiji has already shown the world that it can challenge rugby’s traditional powers.
The next chapter is about turning that belief into sustained performance.
A World Cup-winning coach now joins a nation with a World Cup-sized dream.|
The mission begins now. The destination is Australia 2027.
One Team. One Nation. One Fiji.
QUOTES
John Sanday — Chairman, Fiji Rakavi Football Union
“Today marks an important new chapter in the history of Fiji Rugby. In appointing Jake White, we are bringing a Rugby World Cup-winning coach into a nation where rugby is more than a sport, it is part of who we are.
“Fiji has never lacked talent, courage or passion. Our players have demonstrated time and again that they can compete with the very best in the world. Our responsibility now is to create the leadership, structure, discipline and high-performance environment that will allow that talent to consistently deliver on the international stage.
“Jake understands what it takes to build a World Cup-winning team. His experience, leadership and championship mentality are exactly the qualities we want to bring into our preparations for Rugby World Cup 2027.
“But this appointment is about more than one coach or one tournament. It is about raising our standards, strengthening our rugby foundations and creating a legacy that future generations of Fijian players can build upon.
“We are not simply preparing to participate in another Rugby World Cup. We are preparing to challenge ourselves, challenge expectations and show the world what Fiji can achieve when our extraordinary talent is matched by world-class preparation.
“To every Fijian, whether at home or living abroad, this is our journey together. We ask our nation to unite behind the Flying Fijians, believe in our players and stand with us as we take this next step towards Australia 2027.
“As we look ahead with a clear vision and renewed ambition, it is equally important that we acknowledge those who have brought us this far. We stand on the foundations laid by those who came before us.
To Senirusi, Mick, and everyone who has contributed to the journey of Fiji Rugby — Vinaka Vakalevu. Your contributions are recognised, respected and deeply appreciated.”
Jake White — Incoming Head Coach, FIJI Water Flying Fijians
“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.
“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 thebiggest 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.
| Achievement | Details |
| Rugby World Cup champion | Coached South Africa to the 2007 title |
| Tri Nations champion | Led South Africa to the 2004 championship |
| Under-21 World Champion | Coached South Africa’s U21 team to the 2002 title |
| International coaching recognition | IRB International Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2007 |
| World Rugby Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2011 |
| Professional championship success | Won consecutive Currie Cup titles and Super Rugby Unlocked with the Bulls |
| International experience | Coached in South Africa, Australia, France and Japan, with an advisory role in Tonga |