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Jake White undergoes emergency abdominal surgery
By PA
South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White has undergone emergency abdominal surgery.
The Pretoria-based Vodacom Bulls, where White is currently director of rugby, say the two-hour operation was successful.
White, 59, complained of debilitating stomach cramps after arriving in South Africa from Wales – where the Bulls had played United Rugby Championship opponents the Dragons – on Sunday.
“It is never nice to see one of our own down, but we are extremely confident that Jake is receiving the best medical attention available, and our team of medical experts will provide him with all the necessary support he will need to make a full recovery,” Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone said.
“We would like to thank the hospital team, doctors and all those who rushed to offer their expertise and helped with attending to Jake.”
Rathbone said he had visited White in hospital in Pretoria on Monday.
A statement on the Bulls’ official website read: “While recovering from the operation and going through his rehabilitation programme, White will be taking a brief break from his team duties until February 8.
“At present, the club cannot place a time-stamp on the length of this period, but will be guided by the expertise and advice of the medical staff.
“The coaching team will continue to share the responsibility of leading the team while the director of rugby is away.”
The Bulls tackle Heineken Champions Cup opponents Exeter in Pretoria on Saturday, before visiting Lyon six days later and then facing a URC game against the Scarlets in Llanelli on January 27.
The Bulls gave their unwell director and RugbyPass columnist a timely boost by claiming a 29-14 bonus point victory away to the Dragons.
additional reporting RugbyPass
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If Havili can play anywhere in the back line, why not first 5. #10.
Go to commentsThe dressing room had already left for their summer break before they ran out in Dublin that year, and that’s on the coach. Franco Smith has undoubtedly made progress, particularly their maul, developing squad players and increasing squad depth. And against a very tight budget too. That said they were too lightweight last year and got found out against both Toulon and Munster in consecutive games. Better this season so far but they’ve developed something of a slow start habit occasionally, most notably losing at home to Northampton who played them at their own game. Play offs will ultimately show whether there has been tangible progress on last year, or not…!
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