White agent plays down London link

Jake White’s agent does not expect the World Cup-winning coach to lead the British & Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa next year.

Craig Livingstone insists White has not been approached over a role with the Lions, who will announce their new coach next Wednesday.

“We haven’t been contacted at all regarding the position, so I’m sure it would go to one of the coaches of England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales,” Livingstone told PA Sport.

“It’s very unlikely that Jake would be involved in such a position.”

Livingstone, whose client had also been linked with the Ireland post until today’s appointment of Declan Kidney, went on to outline White’s plans for 2009.

“He’s involved with a whole lot of business opportunities that he’s busy with in South Africa,” Livingstone said.

“He’s also doing quite a few corporate engagements and he’s doing some consulting work for the IRB (International Rugby Board) with the smaller tier countries and that really what he’s focusing on right now.”

White led the Springboks to their second World Cup triumph in France last year.