The Fiji Rugby Union confirmed White’s appointment on 13 October 2026. The 62-year-old replaces interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula, who took charge after Mick Byrne left the role in April.
White’s immediate priority will be to prepare Fiji for their remaining international fixtures before next year’s World Cup, beginning with a Test against Japan in Tokyo on 24 October.
White brings Rugby World Cup-winning experience
White is best known for leading South Africa to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title in France. He also guided the Springboks to the 2004 Tri Nations championship and coached South Africa’s Under-21 team to a world title in 2002.
His coaching career has included roles with the ACT Brumbies in Australia, Montpellier in France, and South African sides including the Sharks and Bulls. He has also worked in Japan and served as a technical adviser to Tonga.
Fiji will hope his experience of building and preparing international teams can help the Flying Fijians translate their considerable attacking ability into more consistent results.
Fiji seek a response after difficult 2026 results
The appointment comes after a challenging season for Fiji. The Flying Fijians lost the Pacific Nations Cup final to Japan and suffered defeats against Wales, England and Scotland during the 2026 international campaign.
White has identified game management and greater tactical structure as areas for improvement, while making clear that he wants to preserve the distinctive style of Fijian rugby.
“I am not coming to Fiji to change what makes Fijian rugby special,” White said in a statement released by Fiji Rugby.
He added that his responsibility was to strengthen the team’s existing foundations and help its players turn their potential into consistent performances.
First assignment against Japan
White’s first match in charge will be Fiji’s Test against Japan in Tokyo on 24 October. The fixture coincides with the centenary of the Japan Rugby Football Union.
Fiji will then travel to Europe for the November Nations Championship, where they are scheduled to face France, Ireland and Italy, followed by a play-off match in London.
Those fixtures will give the new coach an early opportunity to assess his squad, develop combinations and establish the standards he wants the team to carry into the World Cup.
Fiji drawn alongside Argentina, Canada and Spain
At the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Fiji will compete in Pool C alongside Argentina, Canada and Spain. The tournament begins in Australia on 1 October 2027.
The Flying Fijians reached the quarter-finals at the 2023 World Cup in France, where they were narrowly beaten 30–24 by England.
Fiji’s ambition will be to progress beyond the pool stage and challenge established rugby powers. Their appointment of a coach who has already won the sport’s biggest international tournament reflects that objective.
A new chapter for the Flying Fijians
Fiji Rugby chairman John Sanday said the appointment was intended to strengthen the team’s leadership, structure and high-performance environment ahead of the tournament.
White, meanwhile, has indicated that he plans to relocate to Fiji, spend time with Super Rugby Pacific side Fijian Drua and watch local competitions as he assesses potential national-team players.
With the World Cup less than a year away, his challenge is to combine Fiji’s natural attacking strengths with the organisation and game management needed to compete consistently at the highest level.