White plays down England talk

World Cup-winning South Africa coach Jake White has distanced himself from rumours speculating he will succeed Brian Ashton as England boss and says he is not going to be rushed on making a decision on his future.

White, who led the Springboks to victory in France last month, has been linked with a number of jobs after revealing he would not be renewing his contract with SA Rugby which expires on December 31.

Although Brian Ashton defied the odds to guide England to the final in France, his position has been subject to speculation with 43-year-old White heavily linked with the role.

Speaking in Cardiff where South Africa are preparing for the Prince William Cup clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, White said: "I've been quite amazed by how many jobs I've been offered in the newspapers that I haven't really got to know about.

"But as I've always said it's unbelievable to think there have been six World Cups and England have been to three finals.

"In some ways England probably play a similar style to South Africa and I've had links with England before when the Rob Andrew job (elite performance director) was available and that's why people have asked would I consider it.

"When you're involved in rugby you always want to make sure you can add value to teams that you think are going to suit the way you coach.

"That's why I've said England - with whatever jobs - would always be a country I'd be interested in.

"But at this point I think there's nothing worse than being an incumbent coach in the country and listening all the time about some other guy trying to your vie for your job and I think it's a little unfair on a guy like Brian Ashton who's taken the team to the World Cup final.

"At this point, straight from the horse's mouth, I'd like some time off and my first priority is to finish off my tenure as national South Africa coach and then from next year see what opportunities come and hopefully make a decision on  which I can add value to the team I think I can coach."

White intends taking the advice of his World Cup assistant Eddie Jones, the former Australia coach who had a miserable time this year as Queensland Reds coach after being sacked by the Wallabies.

"The one thing he (Jones) did emphasise is to make sure I don't rush into another opportunity, not the first one that comes about.

"By his own admission Eddie went straight from the Wallabies to the Reds and we know how unsuccessful he was there. When you say would I consider a job in  the Guinness Premiership if an opportunity became available? Of course.

"When you are involved in rugby you'd always consider it, but I would want to make sure it's a win-win for everybody. I'd want to go to a club or country or a  team where I think I can add value and get a return off the way they play.

"I don't want to take the first coaching job that comes about."

On that basis White last month turned down an opportunity to pitch for the Wales job that Warren Gatland has since taken, although caretaker Nigel Davies is in charge for Saturday's clash.