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CAPE TOWN - Jake White survived a motion of no confidence and will continue in his role as Springbok coach, South African union president Regan Hoskins said today.
White flew back to South Africa from his team's tour of England to face critics on the powerful council of provincial union presidents who had called for his immediate resignation following a string of disappointing results.
"Only a minority of members voted in the motion of no confidence against Jake," Hoskins told a media conference. "He was subject to a grilling by members of the council."
The president's council voted nine to five against the motion after they interviewed White for over two hours.
South Africa won only five of 12 tests in 2006 and a 32-14 defeat by Ireland prompted the motion of no confidence.
"I'm relieved that I can get on with life and not feel like someone is trying to take my job every weekend," White told Reuters.
"It was a very positive meeting and they asked me what I needed to ensure that Springboks would have the best chance to win the World Cup.
"I told them we need as much support and positive energy from them. They assured me they would do everything than can to support the team and me.
"They have given me their full backing until the end of the World Cup," added White, who is contracted to coach the Springboks until the conclusion of the 2007 tournament in France.
South Africa followed their defeat in Dublin on November 11 with a 23-21 loss then a 25-14 win against England in successive tests at Twickenham.
The 42-year-old White took over as Springbok coach at the beginning of 2004 and immediately tasted success by guiding South Africa to only its second Tri-Nations success.
He was later named international coach of the year. White has also been highly successful in establishing home dominance with only two losses in 18 matches on home soil over three years.
White was due to fly back to England following the meeting to prepare his side for the final match of their tour, a non-test meeting with a World XV in Leicester on Monday.
- REUTERS
