The Waikato Rugby Union has appointed Nathan White as the new forwards coach for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup replacing Carl Hoeft.

White, 36, finished playing in New Zealand at the end of the 2011 season. He moved to Europe where he played a further 82 games for two clubs, Leinster (24) and Connacht (58), before retiring from playing at the end of the 2016 season and returning to New Zealand in 2017.

Nathan White said “It is great to be back with the province that started my career. I am privileged to now have the opportunity to pass on my experience, and knowledge that I have gathered over my playing career to the up and coming players for the province.”

Waikato CEO Blair Foote said “The Waikato Rugby Union is very pleased to announce that Nathan White will be joining the Waikato Mitre 10 Cup coaching staff. Nathan is a Waikato man; he grew up in the region, he is another former player that understands the pride and passion for playing in a red, yellow and black jersey.”

Nathan and new head coach Jono Gibbes know each other well, as both men are from Te Awamutu and played together in the same Waikato teams. Nathan has also played under Jono’s leadership at Leinster when he was the coach.”

Nathan White was Waikato cap number 1007 and played a total of 77 games for Waikato between 2002 and 2011, he also has 13 International caps for Ireland.

Article added: 29 March 2018