Flying Fijians turn to Rugby World Cup-winning coach Jake White for 2027 push

Fiji have turned to the coach who led South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007.

The Fiji Rakavi Football Union (FRFU) appointed Jake White on Tuesday to lead the FIJI Water Flying Fijians into their campaign for the Men's 2027 World Cup tournament in Australia.

White’s appointment in Suva brings a proven international winner into a team known for its attacking flair and individual skill.

But Fiji Rugby says it wants to see those strengths matched by greater discipline, consistency, and preparation against the world’s leading sides.

The new coach’s first test comes on 24 October when the Fijians face Japan in Tokyo in a match marking the centenary of the Japan Rugby Football Union.

The Flying Fijians then head to Europe for November Tests against France, Ireland, and Italy.

Watch Jake White and John Sanday ahead of his appointment as the new Fiji rugby coach

John Sanday, Fiji Rugby chairman, says the appointment is about building a team capable of delivering on its potential.

“Fiji has never lacked talent, courage or passion," he said. "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.”

White coached South Africa to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title and won the Tri Nations in 2004.

He has also 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.

White replaces Mick Byrne, who parted ways with Fiji Rugby in April following discussions over the future direction of the Flying Fijians programme.

The departure became contentious after Byrne disputed accounts of how he left the role, saying he had not resigned.

White says he wants to build on Fiji’s identity than change what makes the team distinctive.

“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.”

Mick Byrne’s time as Flying Fijians head coach ended earlier this year amid controversy over his departure from the role. Photo/Fiji Rakavi

White says the team’s immediate fixtures will help establish the standards needed for the World Cup campaign.

“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.”

Sanday says the goal extends beyond one tournament, adding that Fiji wants to build stronger foundations for future generations while challenging expectations at the highest level.

“We are not simply preparing to participate in another Rugby World Cup," he said.

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.”

Watch Jake White's view on scrum time below.

Fiji have already shown they can trouble rugby’s traditional powers. White’s challenge will be to help the Flying Fijians deliver that level of performance more consistently as they prepare for Australia next year.

The Men's 2027 Rugby World Cup kicks off on 1 October and ends on 13 November.