JAKE WHITE
JAKE White was the coach of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, from 2004 to 2007 during which time they won the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
In the book, ''In Black and White: the Jake White Story'' (by Jake White and Craig Ray), White talks about his early days including his parents' divorce.
During these difficult times, White found refuge at boarding school and enjoyed the camaraderie associated with playing rugby union.
As his schoolboy rugby career progressed, he realised he would not reach the heights of national team selection.
After high school, White graduated as a physical education teacher and, to stay involved with rugby, he began coaching school teams.
He was given the opportunity at Jeppe High where he transformed the team into a national schoolboy rugby powerhouse.
White's success resulted in his being appointed as provincial schools coach and then going on to coaching the under-21 Springbok side to a victory in the under-21 Rugby Union World Cup, in 2002.
The rest of the book details White's rise through the ranks culminating with his appointment as Springbok coach.
His tenure was characterised by constant struggles with rugby administrators who interfered in team selections.
I found ''In Black and White'' an interesting read about a brilliant and outspoken rugby coach who has a real passion for the game and is prepared to support his players regardless of the consequences.
The book provides a real insight into the pressures exerted on the coach in a rugby-loving country. Australia has seen a lot more of Jake White this year in his role as head coach of the Brumbies.
Lake Macquarie City Library has a range of sports-related titles for loan.
* Andrew Boyce is branch librarian at Morisset.