Jake White is one of rugby’s most respected coaches, best known for leading South Africa to victory at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Born in Johannesburg and a product of Jeppe High School, White began his coaching journey at grassroots level before rising through the ranks of school, provincial, and junior national teams. His early success included guiding the South Africa U-21 side to the 2002 Rugby World Cup title, a springboard to his appointment as Springbok head coach in 2004.
White quickly established himself as a master tactician and inspirational leader. His tenure culminated in South Africa’s 2007 World Cup triumph, restoring the Springboks’ reputation as one of rugby’s most dominant forces. Known for his analytical approach, ability to build winning cultures, and calmness under pressure, Jake White has since gone on to coach internationally and at top-level clubs, further solidifying his reputation as a world-class strategist.
Today, he is a sought-after motivational speaker who shares authentic lessons on leadership, preparation, and resilience, offering organizations across industries a blueprint for achieving success.
Jake White won the Rugby World Cup 2007 as Coach of the Springboks. He leads a motivational talk for your conference or event.
Jake White (born 13 December 1963 in Johannesburg as Jacob Westerduin) is a rugby union coach and former coach of the South Africa national rugby union team, the Springboks.
Jake White attended Jeppe High School where he played in the in the First XV. He began his coaching career as a high school rugby coach at Parktown Boys’ High First XV before returning to his old school as a teacher and as coach of the school’s First XV.
White’s success with the school team resulted in him being appointed as provincial schools coach. Later he coached various under-19 and under-21 sides before assisting Springbok squad preparations by doing video analysis for them.
By this time he was well known for his technical prowess in rugby circles, and he lived up to his reputation by coaching the under-21 Springbok side to a victory in the U-21 Rugby Union World Cup in 2002.
The 2007 season started promisingly for White, having the scope to draw from a great deal of talent in the wake of a wonderful 2007 Super 14 season for South Africa which culminated in an all-South African final between the Sharks and the Bulls.
“I’m very relieved I can go off on a high and I have been privileged that I’ve been with a great group of players.”
To hear the full story of how Jake White – Leadership changed a sides mentality, motivation and inspired them to greatness through his leadership and a support team carefully chosen then CLICK BELOW. He will have you gripped as your after dinner and motivational speaker.
The Jake White Story
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The discussion opens with excitement over Super Rugby’s restart in New Zealand, branded as a local five-team competition. With matches set for June 13, including Highlanders vs Chiefs and Blues vs Hurricanes, the panel predicts high-scoring rugby. They expect defenses to be loose due to players training in isolation, but entertainment levels to be high, especially with marquee players like Beauden Barrett.
Conversation shifts to Jake White’s appointment as head coach of the Bulls. His history of short-term turnarounds is acknowledged: successes with the Springboks, Brumbies, Sharks, and Montpellier, but often followed by abrupt exits or conflicts. While he is praised as a technically brilliant coach capable of quickly rebuilding struggling sides, concerns remain about his long-term commitment, interpersonal skills, and history of friction with senior players and administrators.
They note that White has already begun rebuilding the Bulls pack with experienced signings and aim to restore the franchise’s dominance from its glory days of three Super Rugby titles. Edgar Rathbone’s appointment as CEO is also mentioned, with cautious optimism about his partnership with White.
The conversation closes with optimism for both New Zealand’s competition and a likely South African domestic version featuring Super Rugby and PRO14 franchises, a possible return to strength-vs-strength rugby reminiscent of past Curry Cup eras.
00:00 — Opening: Super Rugby’s return in New Zealand confirmed, local five-team format explained.
01:00 — Fixtures preview: Highlanders vs Chiefs, Blues vs Hurricanes, Barrett brothers facing off.
02:00 — Predictions: less structured defenses, flamboyant attacking rugby expected.
03:00 — Transition to South Africa: Jake White appointed Bulls coach.
04:30 — White’s career history: Springboks, Brumbies, Sharks, Montpellier — success but short-lived stints.
06:00 — Criticisms: lack of humility, divisive personality, conflicts with players/administrators.
08:00 — Strengths: discipline, conditioning, turning struggling teams into playoff contenders.
10:00 — Bulls rebuild: key signings, pack strength, possible return to dominance.
11:30 — Discussion on Edgar Rathbone as CEO and potential working dynamic with White.
13:00 — Closing thoughts: South African domestic tournament expected, possibly July/August launch.
Leadership, strategic planning, resilience under pressure, and building winning teams.
His grassroots-to-global journey and experience leading South Africa to World Cup glory offer authentic lessons for leaders at every level.
Yes. He connects lessons from coaching elite rugby to challenges in leadership, business strategy, and organizational performance.
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