Jake "the snake" White Quiits the Sharks

• 29 Sep 2014

Jake White during the Super Rugby campaign

Jake White has stepped down as Sharks director of rugby after just one season in charge.

White led the team to the Super Rugby semi-finals earlier this year before taking a more advisory role during the Currie Cup campaign, with Brad Macleod-Henderson handling the first team coaching duties.

White has made considerable changes to the Sharks' rugby structures in the year since his appointment. He was tasked with upping the skill levels of the young coaches as well as working to restructure the Sharks Academy. Initially signed on a two-year deal, he has taken the decision to part ways with the Sharks early, as he did when in charge with the Brumbies.

The Sharks and White are said to have begun discussions last week on a possible separation and an agreement was reached over the weekend.

Current Sharks CEO John Smit was key to White's appointment at the end of 2013, having won the World Cup with him during a successful tenure at the Springboks.

'Jake and I have known each other a long time and were very frank in our discussions regarding this Sharks opportunity back in 2013,' said Smit. 'Jake was excited to implement change as well as be involved with South Africa’s most talented squad but from the outset stated his ambition to be on the international stage again and I was all too happy to have him for however long we could. What he has achieved for us in such a short time is incredible and our staff and players have learned a huge amount.'

White's Sharks were the only South African side to make the play-offs. Their season concluded with a disappointing 38-6 semi-final loss to the Crusaders in what would turn out to be his last match at the helm.

'I was offered an exciting challenge in a great rugby city,' said White following the decision. 'I believe we put together some excellent structures under new chief executive John Smit, who was always supportive.

'I’m closing this chapter in my life as I believe it is the right time to do so. I want to thank and acknowledge the Sharks for my time spent with the team.'

White has long made it clear his intention to coach at international level again, while a move back to his home city of Cape Town is also said to have been a factor in his decision.

Meanwhile, the Sharks have given no indication of a possible replacement, or what the new coaching structure might be heading into the 2015 season.

Well lets see, how has Jake done?

Bok Coach....TN and RWC titles

Brumbies for one year.....S 15 final

Sharks for one year ....S15 Semi final

Oh sure that's an enormous failure. Jake has been immediately succesful wherever he has gone. His turnaround of the Boks from QF losers in RWC03 to TN winners in 2004 being the best example.

Like all coaches Jake has his strengths and his weaknesses. If he overplayed the Boks it was in part because he got into the playoffs and it was with the full concurrence of Sharks management including Smit.

Jake and Eddie Jones brought the Boks to their finest level in the professional era. They not only scored lots of great tries at the RWC, they also were almost impervious on defence. That away win in the RWC is our high point. But here we have the usual crowd... a failed lawyer and a wannabe journalist trying to rip him down. Schadenfreude at its most precious.

I am sure the Cheetahs will not mind a straight swop.  but more seriously, I think with McKenzie's stuttering against the ABs and even the Bokke. Jake may get an Ozzie offer after the 2015 RWC.

Jake White has stepped down as director of rugby at South Africa's Sharks Super Rugby franchise to pursue international opportunities ahead of the World Cup next year.