Former Brumbies coach Jake White has approached Rugby Australia (RA) to offer his services as Wallabies coach and will speak to RA boss Raelene Castle in a phone call on Thursday evening.
White, who is also understood to have offered his services to Japan as Jamie Joseph's replacement after next year's World Cup, led South Africa to their 2007 World Cup triumph and has been coaching in France and Japan since leaving the Brumbies in 2013.
Incoming call: Jake White, seen here coaching the Brumbies, will speak to Rugby Australia on Thursday.Credit:Rugby Australia/Stuart Walmsley
His direct approach to Castle – and her willingness to talk with him – is the clearest sign yet that RA is considering making a move on under-fire coach Michael Cheika.
But Fairfax Media also understands RA has current Scotland director of rugby Scott Johnson in mind for a similar role with the Wallabies under an overhauled high performance model designed to make the Test environment a more collaborative set-up.
Cheika's assistant coaches Stephen Larkham, Nathan Grey and Simon Raiwalui are understood to be under pressure.
Fairfax Media reported on Monday that both White and Johnson were chasing a role with the Wallabies.
White is contracted to Japan club side Toyota Verblitz, while Johnson has been working with Scotland coach Gregor Townsend and his predecessor Vern Cotter since 2012.
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