- Jake White is looking to reunite with a familiar face from his successful Springbok coaching days as he builds his Fiji set-up
- The reported move could bring World Cup-winning experience to a key area of the Flying Fijians' game
- Gert Smal has worked with White before and also brings international coaching experience from Ireland and Zimbabwe
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Jake White is reportedly keen to bring former Springbok assistant coach Gert Smal into his Fiji coaching team as he prepares for his new role with the Flying Fijians.
The Rapport newspaper reports that White wants Smal to take charge of Fiji's lineout coaching. The pair have worked together at international and provincial level, including during South Africa's successful 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign.
White's appointment as Fiji head coach was confirmed on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Strengthening the team's lineout coaching is reportedly among his priorities as he begins preparing for the challenge.
Smal's experience with White and his time in international rugby could make him a familiar option for the new Fiji boss. However, the reported approach does not confirm that Smal has accepted the position.
Gert Smal's Springboks and Bulls connection
Smal was part of White's Springbok coaching staff between 2004 and 2007. South Africa won the Rugby World Cup in France in 2007, with White leading the team.
The two coaches later reunited at the Bulls. During White's tenure as director of rugby, Smal joined the coaching set-up and worked with the Currie Cup side.
Their previous working relationship gives White an established connection as he assembles his Fiji backroom team.
Gert Smal's Ireland and Zimbabwe experience
Beyond his work with the Springboks, Smal spent five years with Ireland as an assistant coach under Declan Kidney from 2008 to 2013.
He has also worked with Zimbabwe as a technical adviser, contributing to the Sables' preparations during their successful qualification campaign for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Zimbabwe will return to the global tournament in Australia after a 36-year absence. Smal's recent involvement with the Sables adds another international dimension to his coaching background.
Fiji's preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup
White's appointment comes as Fiji prepares for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. The Flying Fijians have been drawn in Pool C alongside Spain, Canada and Argentina.
Fiji reached the quarter-finals at the 2023 tournament in France, beating Australia during the pool stage before losing to England in the last eight.
White guided South Africa to the 2007 World Cup title and will now be tasked with preparing Fiji for another campaign on rugby's biggest stage.
The reported interest in Smal points to a possible reunion between two coaches who previously worked together during a successful period for South African rugby.
Mark Nawaqanitawase's potential Fiji switch adds intrigue to Jake White's plans
Briefly News previously reported that former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase was considering his international rugby options after ruling himself out of Australia's November Tests.
The 26-year-old could become eligible to represent Fiji or Italy in August 2027, according to his agent, Milan Volavola-Shankar. Jake White's appointment as Fiji head coach has added another dimension to the speculation, although Nawaqanitawase has not committed to joining the Flying Fijians.
Source: Briefly News