White future a grey area

The future employment of South Africa coach Jake White was thrown into doubt yesterday just a day before a one-off Test against France at Newlands.

A press conference to announce an extension to White's contract until 2009 was cancelled and instead White and the national team's manager, Andy Marinos, deflected questions about his future, White refusing to say if this would be his last Test in charge.

"There are other opportunities abroad, but I have a contract with the South African Rugby Union and I've had negotiations with them that have been ongoing," White said.

"My first loyalty is to the team and I really don't want to put this issue on the players."

White has won 19 Tests and lost seven. His record includes a Tri-Nations title in 2004.