Jake White appointed Fiji head coach ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

It is White's first coaching role since leaving the Bulls in July 2025 and his first as an international head coach since helping the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup in France in 2007.

Since then, he has held roles in Australia, South Africa, France and Japan, coaching the Brumbies, Sharks, Montpellier, Toyota Verblitz and most recently the Bulls.

White replaces Senirusi Seruvakula as head coach, who was appointed to the position on an interim basis in April following the sudden departure of Mick Byrne.

"It is an incredible honour to be given the opportunity to lead the Flying Fijians," White said in a statement.

"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."

White has promised that the Pacific Islanders will remain true to their style of play and strengths under his charge.

"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," he added.

"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."

White's first assignment will be against Japan on 24 October, when Fiji face Eddie Jones' side in a landmark match marking the Japan Rugby Football Union's centenary.

Following which, the Flying Fijians will travel to Europe for the November Nations Championship fixtures, where they will tackle France, Ireland and Italy.

Prior to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, White's new side will also clash with the Springboks in a warm-up match.

"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 Rakavi Football Union Chairman John Sanday said.

"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."

Fiji have been drawn alongside Argentina, Spain and Canada in Pool C at next year's World Cup.

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