Former Springbok supremo and tactical guru Jake White is rumored to be back in the coaching carousel, with sights set on an Italian adventure. RugbyPass whispers tell us that White, aged 62, is on the shortlist for the head coaching gig at Benetton, aiming to fill the boots of the outgoing Calum MacRae after this season.
MacRae is off to blend his skills with Dan McFarland’s squad at the Newcastle Red Bulls, leaving his post at Benetton ripe for the taking. White, who has been cooling his heels since a dramatic exit from the Bulls due to a player uprising last July, might just be the seasoned hand Benetton craves. His tenure at the Bulls saw them surge to three URC finals in four years, proving his mettle even amid storms.
"Jake has the experience and a proven track record at the highest levels of the game, which is exactly what we need right now,"
commented a source close to Benetton's management. Meanwhile, White isn't the only chef in the kitchen vying for this spicy Italian job. Corniel van Zyl, a former lock who graced both Benetton and the Italian national team with his prowess, is also in the running. Currently the head honcho at Cardiff, van Zyl's intimate knowledge of Benetton's inner workings from his previous coaching stint there could play in his favor.
The third contender is none other than Richard Cockerill, the former England caretaker coach, who's been off the radar since his stint with Georgia ended last December. With such a mixed bag of heavy-hitters, Benetton's decision-makers certainly don't have an easy task ahead.
As the season edges closer to its climax, the rugby world watches with bated breath, eager to see who will next lead the charge for Benetton. Whether it's White’s strategic genius, van Zyl's insider advantage, or Cockerill’s raw intensity, Benetton is poised for a fascinating chapter ahead.
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Former Springbok supremo and tactical guru Jake White is rumored to be back in the coaching carousel, with sights set on an Italian adventure. RugbyPass whispers tell us that White, aged 62, is on the shortlist for the head coaching gig at Benetton, aiming to fill the boots of the outgoing Calum MacRae after this season.
MacRae is off to blend his skills with Dan McFarland’s squad at the Newcastle Red Bulls, leaving his post at Benetton ripe for the taking. White, who has been cooling his heels since a dramatic exit from the Bulls due to a player uprising last July, might just be the seasoned hand Benetton craves. His tenure at the Bulls saw them surge to three URC finals in four years, proving his mettle even amid storms.
"Jake has the experience and a proven track record at the highest levels of the game, which is exactly what we need right now,"
commented a source close to Benetton's management. Meanwhile, White isn't the only chef in the kitchen vying for this spicy Italian job. Corniel van Zyl, a former lock who graced both Benetton and the Italian national team with his prowess, is also in the running. Currently the head honcho at Cardiff, van Zyl's intimate knowledge of Benetton's inner workings from his previous coaching stint there could play in his favor.
The third contender is none other than Richard Cockerill, the former England caretaker coach, who's been off the radar since his stint with Georgia ended last December. With such a mixed bag of heavy-hitters, Benetton's decision-makers certainly don't have an easy task ahead.
As the season edges closer to its climax, the rugby world watches with bated breath, eager to see who will next lead the charge for Benetton. Whether it's White’s strategic genius, van Zyl's insider advantage, or Cockerill’s raw intensity, Benetton is poised for a fascinating chapter ahead.