Jake White 'not approached by Force'

(AAP) - Western Force officials, still coming to grips with Matt Giteau's decision to return to Canberra, have denied reports they are trying to appoint World Cup-winning coach Jake White to replace John Mitchell at the end of the season.

The Australian newspaper reported White, who led the Springboks to the 2007 World
Cup, had already been sounded out by the Force to replace Mitchell.
Mitchell, who is contracted to the Force until the end of 2011, was the subject of
an independent inquiry during the off-season after players and staff voiced their
discontent with the former All Blacks coach.
But Force officials strongly deny any contact has been made with White, with RugbyWA
chairman Geoff Stooke even sending an email to Mitchell's management company
assuring them their client's position is safe.
"The RugbyWA position is very clear and simple. John Mitchell is the head coach and
has two more years of his contract to serve," Stooke wrote in the email.
"Accordingly, no other coaches are being approached by the organisation to replace
John."
RugbyWA chief executive Greg Harris also denied he had held talks with White.
"I have not been contacted by Jake White, nor have I made contact with him myself,"
Harris said.
"I can categorically confirm that I have not had any communication with him and nor
do I intend to.
"The football department under John Mitchell's leadership is functioning as well as
any I've ever been associated with.
"John has my full personal support as the head coach of the Western Force."