Reds star White chasing his Blitzboks World Cup dream
WESLEY White, the son of South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White, is fast making a name for himself away from his father’s shadow in Jersey.
The 25-year-old No.8 made an immediate tryscoring impact in the third minute of his first start for the Reds last weekend as he continues his unconventional career path.
Having played for Montauban in the French Pro D2 in 2015, he went on a scholarship to Lindenwood University in the USA, becoming a Collegiate All-American, which led to a season at Major League Rugby franchise Austin Herd.
Now he has his sights set on making the Blitzboks squad – South Africa’s Sevens side – for next year’s World Cup in Cape Town having trained with the side, and the USA Eagles, after winning three USA Collegiate Sevens titles.
White told The Rugby Paper: My dream is to get a contract and run out for the Blitzboks. The coaches already had an idea of what they wanted for the Olympics, but the Sevens World Cup is on the horizon and looking at what lies ahead that is a realistic goal of mine.
“It has been a different journey than most have been on but I’m grateful I got the fortune of being offered a scholarship and took it with both hands.
“It was a lot different in America. Over there some people are still learning the rules of the game so it is a different, relaxed feel.
“The English are a lot different as well and that has taken some adjusting. But I am enjoying the environment here in Jersey and the English leagues, It’s quite similar to playing in South Africa, and is on a more professional platform compared to America where the game is still growing. Jersey feels like an island brotherhood which helps forge a close bond.”
White adds: “Most people come straight out of school at 18 and go to a club but I went to university, got a degree and am now looking to play full-time.
“I was lucky to spend time with the South African Sevens and that is the goal. But I’ve enjoyed learning the different cultures around the world and how each person works.
“And having a degree under my belt, I can feel confident after rugby or if anything happened which shorted my career.”