White not ruling out Wales role

White poses with the World Cup at the South African Parliament

South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White has told BBC Sport that he has not ruled out taking the vacant Wales job.

White's agent Craig Livingstone had said the South African was not interested in replacing Gareth Jenkins.

But speaking to BBC Wales' Scrum V programme, White revealed that he has not dismissed the WRU's approach.

"There has been so much speculation and the last thing I would ever do is rule anything out," said White.

I guess I am in a position now that most coaches envy Jake White

"There has been talk that I'm going to Australia, England and Wales and what I have said from the beginning is that I don't want to make a decision while things are so euphoric in my country," he added.

"International rugby coaches want to coach international rugby and I am no different. You can't be too fussy where you want to go.

"Wales have a great tradition and history and it is not a position that I would overrule at this stage."

New Zealander Warren Gatland appears to be the front-runner to succeed Gareth Jenkins who was sacked after Wales' defeat to Fiji.

But White is also on their short-list and is in high demand after leading South Africa to World Cup glory.

And with his contract not been renewed by the South African rugby union he is reportedly wanted by more than one nation.

England seem to be favourites to land White, but Australia are also said to be keen.

"It is a position most coaches would want to be in," said White.

"Coaching is a volatile world and we are judged on our results and I guess I am in a position now that most coaches envy."

White's agent Livingstone has said last week the he was not going to apply for the Australian job that John Connolly stood down from after the World Cup.

Livingstone also said that White was " unlikely to pursue a career with Wales."

White appears to have contradicted that claim and is keeping an open mind.

"In many ways Wales is like South Africa in terms of rugby," he said.

"There is huge expectation and have huge passion for the game.

606: DEBATE Whoever takes over must be free to change things from the top down if necessary, be it a foreign or a Welsh coach bedfordwelsh

"They have a proud history but one thing I will say is that they tend to change coaches too often.

"There needs to be consistency in keeping coaches and players together.

"I've spoken to David Pickering and Gerald Davies from the WRU and they speak openly about wanting to make Wales a force in world rugby again."

One thing White won't be doing is continuing to coach South Africa.

Certainly White is no stranger to the complexities of Welsh rugby.

The South Africa rugby union recently revealed he was not on a shortlist of four names to fill his own position.

And White admits he is happy to move on after their World Cup success.

"It is a box I've ticked off now," said White.

"We are number one in the world and have won the World Cup.

"I'm happy to move on and see what other challenges are out there for me."

White will lead South Africa on their tour of Britain in November before stepping down.

The Springboks are due to play Wales on 24 November, before taking on the Barbarians at Twickenham a week later - White's final game in charge.