Sapa

South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White was Wednesday appointed head coach of Australia's ACT Brumbies Super 15 team.

Sydney – South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White has applied and will be interviewed for the head coaching job at Australia's ACT Brumbies Super 15 team, officials said on Monday.

Tony Rea was installed as interim head coach of the two-time Super Rugby champions following last month's sacking of Andy Friend just two games into the season, after reports of a bust-up with players.

Brumbies chief Andrew Fagan denied reports White already had the job but confirmed that the former Springbok coach had applied and would be interviewed by a panel within the next fortnight.

White led South Africa to the 2007 World Cup and 2004 Tri-Nations crowns, but Fagan denied that the Brumbies job was already his for the asking.

“I don't have enough time to waste on running a process for the sake of it, Fagan told reporters.

“I can confirm he has applied and will be interviewed.”

White, 48, who had a 67 percent success rate from his 54 internationals as Springboks coach from 2004, stepped down after guiding South Africa to World Cup glory over England in France in 2007.

Former assistant coach Rea's chances of taking over the Brumbies job full-time has subsided following the Canberra-based team's five straight losses this campaign.

Fagan said he himself would be among a four-man panel to interview applicants, along with foundation Brumbies and former Wallabies backs Joe Roff and Pat Howard, and prominent Canberra businessman John Mackay.

The Brumbies, Australia's only successful Super Rugby franchise, with titles in 2001 and 2004, already appear out of the running for this year's play-offs just seven rounds into the extended 18-week season. – Sapa-AFP