Brumbies grant coach Jake White a release from final two years of his contract

WORLD Cup-winning coach Jake White has quit as coach of the Brumbies, just two years into a four-year deal.

Jake White

THE Brumbies have granted Jake White a release from the final two years of his contract, just two months after he took the franchise to the Super Rugby final.

White, 50, had two years remaining on his Brumbies contract.

Brumbies and Wallabies great Stephen Larkham, who is currently the side's backs coach, looms as the South African's likely replacement.

White was spotted in his native South Africa earlier this month at a Western Province training session at Newlands.

White boasts an impressive coaching resume. He led the Springboks to the Tri Nations trophy in 2004 and the World Cup three years later.

He was named Australian Super Rugby coach of the year last month after leading the Brumbies to the final - a match they would lose to the Chiefs by five points.

The Brumbies had not made the play-offs since 2004 and finished a lowly 13th two seasons prior.

White was courted by England in 2012 but eventually turned down the approach to remain with the Brumbies.

He was interviewed by the Australian Rugby Union in July to succeed Robbie Deans at the helm of the Wallabies. The ARU opted for Ewen McKenzie, however, prompting White to voice his disappointment.

"The ARU asked a while ago if I would be interested [in coaching the Wallabies], I’ve always been interested in returning to international rugby," White said in July.

"It hasn’t panned out, they’ve gone for Ewen and that’s fantastic. He’s got a fantastic record and I wish him all the best.

"My job is to make sure the Brumbies get to a better place, everyone knows that. I’ve got a Brumbies job."

The Wallabies have endured a rocky start under McKenzie, losing heavily to the All Blacks and Springboks and only narrowly defeating unfancied Argentina.

White is the second high-profile South African coach to vacate his Australian post this year. Compatriot Mickey Arthur was unceremoniously dumped as coach of the Australian cricket team on the eve of the Ashes due to a supposed decline in team standards.

Brumbies assistant coach Laurie Fisher moved to calm irate fans on Twitter, insisting the franchise had a bright future.

Stay chilled folks, sun will still rise tomorrow, and Brumbies will be a massive presence in Super Rugby 2014 and beyond. #keepthefaith

— Laurie Fisher (@LordLaurie58) September 25, 2013