White wants England rugby coaching role

LONDON, England -- World Cup-winning coach Jake White has again expressed his interest in taking over as England's team boss, putting more pressure on the beleaguered incumbent Brian Ashton.

Ashton, whose side lost to White's South Africa in the final of the World Cup last year, is under pressure after mixed results during the recent Six Nations.

England finished second behind Wales, but suffered an embarrassing defeat to bitter rivals Scotland before ending on a high with a convincing 33-10 victory against Ireland.

Ashton's role is now under review by the English RFU, with director of elite rugby Rob Andrew widely expected to bring 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson into the set-up.

If Johnson does join Ashton's staff, that would likely rule out White's chances of returning to the international fold following the end of his Springboks tenure late last year.

But White told Britain's Guardian that he was keen to take over if Ashton is sacked, and the newspaper also reported that he was unlikely to seek the Ireland role left vacant by the resignation of coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

"I've made no secret of the fact that the job has always appealed to me," said White, now working as a marketing executive with a Johannesburg financial services company.

"But England have their own review process under way and must decide what's right for them.

"I've said on many occasions that England is a great rugby nation with the style of players that suits the way I coach. The country has been to three World Cup finals and has an amazing depth of talent and coaching them would be an opportunity anyone would welcome.

"England are probably in a similar position to where South Africa were in 2004 when I took over - they have the players and the structures but they just need a little bit of something to be added.

"England has a fantastic player base and a rich rugby culture, and whoever does that job has a fantastic opportunity every time a World Cup comes round." E-mail to a friend

All About Jake White • Brian Ashton • Rugby