Jake White: Silly season reports 'pure speculation'

REACTION: The side effects of the COVID-19-enforced lockdown have been the spread of some wild rumours.

The Stormers have felt the brunt of the recent 'grapevine broadcasts' in the wake of the SA Rugby imposed 21-day clause.

However, other unions have not escaped the scourge - especially not the Bulls' new Director of Rugby Jake White.

In the last few days the rumour mill in Pretoria has worked overtime.

Allister Coetzee, a former Springbok coach and confidant of White during the successful 2004-2007 era, recently returned from his stint in Japan.

Coetzee - along with former Lions defence coach Joey Mongalo, Springbok World Cup-winning scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and former Stormers assistant coach Russell Winter - have all been linked to positions on White's new-look coaching panel.

These rumours gained traction in the wake of last week's announcement that Pote Human has departed his position as head coach at Loftus Versfeld.

However, White said he is "far away" from confirming his staff or any staff appointments.

"There is a committee in place that has come in to monitor all appointments as per budgets," White told @rugby365com.

"Until I get details everything is on hold.

"At the moment everything is pure speculation."

@kings365ed

@rugby365com