Former South Africa coach Jake White has suggested that he would be interested in taking on the England manager's job.
Brumbies deal may provide obstacle to appointment
Former South Africa coach Jake White has suggested that he would be interested in the England manager's job.
White is regarded as one of the leading candidates to replace Martin Johnson and the 48-year-old, who guided South Africa to World Cup triumph in 2007, has left little doubt over his interest in the position.
"You miss the highest level of competition," White told BBC Radio 5. "During the World Cup there were times when I thought it would be wonderful to be back on this stage.
"I'm sure that if an opportunity came about, it's something I'd like to do again.
"I don't know how I'd react if I was called [by the RFU], one never knows until you are in that situation.
"All coaches want to test themselves against the best and when you've won one World Cup, you'd like to win a second.
"It would be a fantastic achievement to become the first coach to win two World Cups.
"I'm young enough and there's a long time ahead in my career. I'd love to get another chance of testing myself at the World Cup. To win it twice would be a real dream come true."
White would be happy to work alongside Sir Clive Woodward, the mastermind of England's 2003 World Cup triumph who has been linked with a return to Twickenham in a director of elite rugby role.
"I've chatted to Clive about coaching together," he said. "He's a very proud man who's been through the highs and lows with England and took them to the World Cup.
"I say this not because Clive is my friend, but it's amazing how a guy like him hasn't stayed in rugby when he's achieved the ultimate in winning the World Cup with England."
Sleeping giant
White believes the RFU need someone with a proven track record of success to take charge of an underperforming England team.
"They have to get a winner, someone who's been there and done it, someone who understands what it takes to win something special," he said.
"They must get back to where they were when they were the dominant force in rugby.
"They do that by getting someone who the players respect for that he's been there, done it.
"England are a sleeping giant. Whoever gets that job right can have a very successful time with a very powerful rugby nation."
However, White recently signed a four-year deal with Super Rugby side the Brumbies - the first coaching position he has filled since 2007 - and he added: "I'm very happy at the Brumbies. I've committed myself to them and in the long run it will make me a better rugby coach.
"My Brumbies bosses have been very good to me and want me to take the team to another level.
"They have backed me and it's only right that I would back them in times when they might think I'd let them down."
