The World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jake White's come-and-get-me message to the British and Irish Lions has been branded as "bizarre" by the former Lion Martin Bayfield. White, who guided South Africa to World Cup glory last year, is seeking to join Ian McGeechan's coaching team for next summer's Lions tour, after the Boks opted against offering him a position.
White was quoted in the South African media as saying: "I made it clear to South African rugby that I wanted to be involved in helping them because I feel I have a lot to give back to rugby. But they haven't expressed an interest in using me, so I have to look at my options. "I've made it clear to McGeechan that I'm actively in the market for a job in rugby and I believe I can add value. But it is up to him and the Lions organisation to decide if they need me."
However Bayfield, who played three Tests on the 1993 Lions tour of New Zealand, has warned them against implementing White. They are likely to call on the services of another non-Brit, Warren Gatland, the New Zealander in charge of Wales, but Bayfield believes his presence is fully justified. "I haven't got a problem with Warren Gatland being involved, because he has been significantly involved in northern hemisphere rugby for a long, long time," said Bayfield.
"He has been involved with Ireland and with Wasps - so he has been involved in the growth and development of a lot of very good British players. "I find Jake White's comments quite bizarre. He coached them to the World Cup last year - and now he wants to be on the coaching team to try and defeat them. "I find that odd, and I certainly would not like to see him involved. I don't see the need for him to be involved, to be perfectly honest.
"They have enough experience anyway. I'm surprised Jake White would feel comfortable doing that. We all know South African rugby is a law unto itself in terms of the politics involved. But I do find it odd that he would want to coach against the team he would have led to the World Cup two years previously." Bayfield and his former England team-mate Mike Catt will host a fund-raising dinner in aid of the NSPCC and the Arabian Gulf Under-18 team at Dubai's Westin Mina Seyahi Hotel on Thursday, Nov 6. For tickets call 050 4258625.
@Email:pradley@thenational.ae
