Bulls and Jake White reach ‘best interest’ decision as it is ‘time for a new voice’
The Bulls have announced the immediate departure of director of rugby Jake White, by mutual agreement.
This comes after a ‘thorough end-of-season review’ and reports of a mutiny in the Bulls camp, with players and assistant coaches expressing dissatisfaction with White‘s leadership style.
It was reported that some players threatened not to sign new contracts with the franchise with the final outcome of White’s tenure in charge decided at a meeting on July, 4.
Jake White leaves Bulls
The decision brings an end to a successful stint in charge of the Bulls for White who secured back-to-back championships in Super Rugby Unlocked and the Currie Cup in 2020.
He also led the Bulls into their maiden United Rugby Championship campaign, with the men from Pretoria reaching three Grand Finals and achieving knockout appearances in both the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup during his time at Loftus.
Having consulted with the shareholders, White himself stated his decision was based on a desire for the team to find a new voice.
“I have made the decision to move on,” he said in a statement confirming his departure.
“With many years’ coaching experience, I felt it would be difficult to get the squad to perform to the next level. Therefore, in the best interest of both myself and the Bulls, I feel it’s time for a new chapter. It’s time for this group to have a new voice.
“I have enjoyed my time in Pretoria. I met some wonderful friends. I believe that rugby is like life – you win some you lose some. You learn as you grow. You need to be strong and courageous and, most importantly, it isn’t always fair.
“I would like to thank all the loyal supporters, the Bulls staff that worked tirelessly, and to the players for their hard work and dedication. I wish BBRU president Willem Strauss and the amateur game lots of success in the future. To the shareholders, I will always be grateful for all the support and financial backing they gave, far and beyond any other club.
“Thank you for the privilege. To the Board for their support and CEO, Edgar Rathbone, coaches and management, it was great to be part of this winning culture. To be part of Bulls rugby history has been an absolute honour. I wish Bulls rugby all the best. Hou die blou bo!”
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone added: “Jake has tremendous rugby IP, and that has been visible in the way he was able to transfer it into our structures and as a club we remain grateful for those contributions made during his tenure.
“He did amazing work here and it was a privilege to work with him as he helped our team become a superpower again. He has given us a great platform to build upon with a talented crop of young players who are just finding their true offering.
“He also helped the bigger playing group develop, with 10 emerging to play for the Springboks. This encouraging growth also ensured we were often in the mix for silverware.”
Club president Willem Strauss thanked White for his openness and contributions, especially at the grassroots level.
“On behalf of the club, the supporters, the staff and all our shareholders, I would like to thank Jake for the work he has done, the love and passion he has shown to our players, people and community during his time with us,” he said.
“His leadership has left a fantastic mark on our club, and the way he fought to get us up when we needed it the most will make him a hero of ours for a long time to come. He leaves the club in a better place than when he arrived.
“During his rugby directorship, he helped elevate our grassroots game in the manner that he devised our integration strategy between the high-performance environment and our club ecosystem.
“We are extremely grateful to Jake for his commitment and contribution during his five years at the club.
Potential replacements
Early reports suggested that former Lions boss Johan Ackermann would be in line to replace White if he were to leave Loftus. However, the former Springboks lock has reportedly received a contract extension offer from SA Rugby to remain with the Junior Boks
Franco Smith has also been linked with a return to his old stomping ground, where he represented the Bulls as a player, while Johann van Graan has been put forward as a potential replacement.
However, Smith is currently contracted for another season at Glasgow Warriors while Van Graan signed an extension through to 2030 with Bath.
