Former Springboks and 2007 Rugby World Cup winning Coach and now IRB Pacific development officer Jake White, is currently working with the FRU. White shares his new work experience and plans for Fiji and other Pacific nations with Fijilive's Tevita Tuiwavu.


Fijilive: After leading the Springboks to a memorable Rugby World Cup win in 2007 and being actively involved with one team for the past eight years or so, what is challenge for you and what do you aim to achieve as an IRB Development officer?

White: Since I was involved with the IRB, being a development officer is a challenge. It’s my big break from focusing on a particular team to concentrating on a bigger scope. The IRB has its own system but I have set a personal aim of keeping the development of rugby organized. Most of the concentration has been shifted on the tier two nations and trying to develop the players understanding of rugby.


Fijilive: What is your observation on the level of development of the game in Fiji and how much work needs to be done to elevate Fiji’s status from second tier to tier one?


White: Finishing in the top ten at the 2007 RWC is basically a reflection of the development program here in Fiji. Now the focus should be shifted to grass root as players in the particular age group are still young and they have a lot of chances to develop. Fiji is on the brinks of being winched to tier one but it comes with a lot of development on the local ground. There are a lot of raw talents out there and the only way to select the right player is to introduce more local competitions to improve consistency and exposure. Selectors should consider players who are capable to step up another level and prove themselves.


Fijilive: How much does IRB play in terms of development in Fiji?


White: Fiji has proven to be competitive at the 2007 Rugby World Cup obviously and this has captured the attention of the IRB. The funding that has been invested for the development of rugby I believe is what a fully functional Rugby Development Unit. I understand that this unit is tasked into looking at the very big picture of Fiji and they’re working out ways to conduct coaching course and clinics. I’ve been impressed with the RDU’s work as for last year and as a result IRB has increased the development grant by 30 percent.


Fijilive: With the work the IRB is currently doing here in the Pacific, what sort of result do you foresee Fiji achieve by 2011?


White: Fiji has taken into account the development program despite the insufficient materials available to help develop players. I personally have high expectation for Fiji in 2011; they were outstanding last year so it should be nothing less than settling on the top four.


Fijilive: The World Cup, playing Fiji in the quarterfinal stages of the tournament, did you think the Fijian were going to attack and defend as they did against your team?


White: Fiji was our most respected opponent at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and we didn’t underestimate them. Even though most of the players in our side were rated number one in their position like Daniel Rossow at number eight and Schalk Burger at flanker they were still our respected opponent. It was the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal and I was not surprised when they led midway through the second spell because we were expecting a more physical game.


Fijilive: What do you think of the ground work on development going on in Fiji at the moment and how can Fiji do better in 2011?


White: The development is a pathway to success but there are certain areas Fiji needs to touch-up ahead of 2011. The most important one could be not leaving everything to the last minute. The identification of players for 2011 should now begin and that should be part of the development plan. Fitness programs should be put in place to help develop players so that come 2011 they are at their peak. Fiji should pick up from where they left off last year. Identification of players should now begin and a shadow team should be drafted next year so that by 2011 the concentration should be basically being on the move.


Fijilive: What must Fiji put in place for a successful outing at the 2011 in New Zealand?


White: The strengthening of development program in rugby academies is imperative. Looking at age group that’s here in Fiji; exposing them to national level so they’ll be psyched for 2011. A target should be set by 2009.


Fijilive: What is your assessment on Fiji’s opening game Pacific Rugby Cup clash against Samoa?


White: There was nothing new, its reality Fiji was going to be favourites they fielded 12 out of 15 players that played at Rugby World Cup. Samoa started with eight caps and it was quiet hard for them to get their combination going. I think the way the Fijians played in terms of securing 34 points they were not ranked ninth in the World for nothing. They played well, they didn’t have Nicky Little but they still keep the full strength of the team because they become better.

Fijilive

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