Brumbies CEO Andrew Fagan shocked as coach Jake White's departure from club confirmed

UPDATE: Jake White has officially been released as Brumbies coach, with Stephen Larkham or Laurie Fisher set to replace him.

Brumbies coach Jake White

BRUMBIES chief executive Andrew Fagan says missing out on the Wallabies coaching job was the primary reason behind Jake White's decision to leave, as the club officially confirmed his departure.

The Brumbies on Thursday afternoon confirmed White would be released from his contract with two years remaining.

Assistant coaches Laurie Fisher and Stephen Larkham will take control of the team and are favourites to replace White.

''I'd have to say that I was shocked when Jake called to tell me that he was intending to stay in South Africa,'' Fagan said in a statement.

''We are well into our planning for next season and have lots of great things happening on and off the field as we build on the momentum of making this year's final.

''To have Jake decide that he wants to pursue his international coaching ambitions from South Africa at this late stage is disappointing. He has achieved a great deal for the Brumbies and we felt he certainly had more to offer.

"But I understand his reasons for seeking the release. He was obviously very disappointed in missing out on the Wallabies job and he sees his best opportunity to further his international coaching career is from South Africa.

"He also has two sons who live in South Africa who he misses a great deal so when I sit back and look at it I can understand why he has made his decision."

World Cup-winning Wallaby Larkham is currently the team's current attack coach, while Fisher - who was head coach from 2005-08 - had handled the forwards under White.

"Look it's far from ideal that Jake is leaving right now but in saying that we have two outstanding assistant coaches in Stephen Larkham and Laurie Fisher who have delivered the majority of the on-field coaching and they will continue to implement our high performance program,'' Fagan said.

"We will make a decision on a head coach in due course.''