Fiji have turned to Rugby World Cup winner Jake White as their new head coach with the veteran South African set to lead them into next year’s tournament in Australia.
White guided the Springboks to World Cup glory in France in 2007, and replaces interim boss Senirusi Seruvakula following a period of tumult after the departure of Mick Byrne in April.
The 62-year-old has been out of work since parting ways with the Bulls last summer, and brings vast experience within the sport.
He came close to being appointed England head coach on three occasions, including in 2015 when Eddie Jones took the role, and White will be tasked with getting the best out of a talented squad that reached the quarter-finals of the last World Cup.
“I'd like to say we want to have the best-prepared group of players ever to go to a World Cup. That'll be our challenge,” White said.
“To be fair about the Fijians, they have lacked a bit of confidence this year. Technically, working on game management, that's one area. The theory for me is we want Fiji to play like Fiji but just give them a little bit more structure, a little bit more formation."
White arrives ahead of Test against Japan in Tokyo on 24 October that precedes Nations Championship games against France, Ireland and Italy.
The Pacific Islanders were beaten in all three of their games in the competition in July, including a 73-8 hammering by England.
White had a stint as a technical advisor with Tonga in 2014 but this is his first full-time international job since leaving South Afica following that 2007 World Cup triumph. He guided the Bulls to three United Rugby Championship finals during five years in Pretoria.
Fiji have been drawn alongside Argentina, Spain and Canada in Pool C at next year’s World Cup.