By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
The Sharks have approached former Springboks coach Jake White following a poor start to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) season.
According to Rapport, White – who served as the Sharks’ director of rugby in 2013 and 2014 – met with senior figures at the franchise, insiders says, the conversation centred on advice rather than any formal role.
“Jake is not currently an option as head coach,” a source told the publication. “He’s an experienced coach who wants to help us get back on track, but he didn’t ask about the job and the Sharks didn’t offer it.”
White left the Bulls in July following a breakdown in his relationship with senior players and assistant coaches, and has since taken up a consulting role at Selborne College in East London.
The Sharks, meanwhile, plan to speak to “as many people as possible” as they search for the right long-term successor to John Plumtree, who steps aside after Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup clash with Toulouse.
Former Sharks and Springbok wing JP Pietersen will take over on an interim basis.
Meanwhile Union Bordeaux Bègles secured a 46-33 come-back win against Vodacom Bulls in their opening Champions Cup match at Loftus.
Elsewhere Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will remain available for the Lions until at least the end of March.
Ntlabakanye, who tested positive for a banned substance earlier this year, had originally been scheduled to face his hearing in December but the process has been delayed due to the availability of expert witnesses and ongoing logistical challenges.
The delay means the 26-year-old tighthead can be picked for the Lions’ next 10 matches across the Vodacom URC and the Investec Challenge Cup, with his final expected outing before the hearing likely being the 21 March clash against Edinburgh.