Fiji reveal new head coach for Rugby World Cup 2027 - Warren Gatland snubbed

The 2007 Rugby World Cup winning head coach is determined to build the best-prepared group of Fijian players ever to compete at the global showpiece.

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) announced White’s appointment today, after he emerged from a strong field of candidates that included former Wales and Lions head coach Warren Gatland and defensive guru Shaun Edwards.

The 62-year-old replaces Senirusi Seruvakula, who took charge on an interim basis in April and oversaw Fiji’s Nations Championship Tests in July. He also led the side through the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup.

White arrives with considerable international experience, having coached the Springboks between 2004 and 2007 before moving into club rugby.

He served as Director of Rugby at the Bulls from 2020 to 2025 and has also worked in France and Japan, as well as taking on a technical advisory role with Tonga in 2014.

However, the new Fiji coach faces a significant challenge. Fiji have lost four of their five Tests this year and are ranked 10th in the world.

White has plenty of work to do before the tournament begins in Australia.

Speaking following his appointment in Suva, White made clear that preparation, player availability and building squad depth would be central to his plans.

“When you’re a Test coach, you want to win every time you play,” said White, as quoted by SA Rugby Magazine.

“I think what’s important, because you all understand, we need to get the best team to to Australia next year.

“We need to find out who’s eligible, who’s available, who’s injury-free. It’s going to be a bit of management going forward and we are going to make sure they’re ready for next year’s World Cup.

“Next year is about building depth and, obviously, the last block is to peak before the World Cup.”

White’s immediate task will be to combine Fiji’s renowned attacking flair and individual talent with the tactical discipline, physical conditioning and consistency required to compete with the world’s leading sides.

The former Springboks coach was enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead a nation with such a strong rugby identity.

“It is an incredible honour to be given the opportunity to lead the Flying Fijians,” White said, according to Rugby 365.

“Fiji holds a special place in world rugby. There are very few nations where the game means so much to its people, and where the players bring such extraordinary natural ability, courage and passion to the field.”

White believes Fiji possess the potential to challenge the established powers of international rugby, having already demonstrated their capabilities on the biggest stage.

“What excites me most about Fiji is the potential. This is a nation that has already shown it can challenge the world’s rugby powers,” he said.

Fiji reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, producing one of the tournament’s standout results with a historic victory over Australia. White will be tasked with building on that achievement when the competition heads to the land down under in 2027.

The Flying Fijians have been drawn in a Pool C alongside Spain, Canada and Argentina, with the tournament scheduled to begin on 1 October.