Don’t let rugby lose its soul

On Oct 9, 2025

Jake White has urged rugby bosses to protect its traditions amid sweeping global change.

In his RugbyPass column, White praised the Springboks for making history in the Rugby Championship while warning the sport’s decision-makers not to destroy rugby’s traditional competitions in the rush to modernise.

“It’s wonderful to see South Africa go back-to-back for the first time in the Rugby Championship’s history and it tells you a lot about where they are as a squad, as they head into 2026,” he wrote.

“I also don’t think you can underestimate quite how much it means to the fans and everyone back in SA. We are all delighted.”

White described this year’s tournament as “arguably the best since 2012”, with the title race going down to the final round.

However, the Rugby Championship won’t be held in 2026 as the All Blacks tour South Africa for eight matches, including three Tests.

ALSO: SA backs Rugby Champs rethink

White voiced concern that constant restructuring and commercial gimmicks could undermine the sport’s history and identity.

“I am troubled that its very existence is being brought into question,” he said. “My red flag is not to tinker too much. Rugby must hold its nerve.”

The 2007 World Cup-winning coach pointed to the decline of once-proud domestic tournaments such as the Currie Cup and NPC, as well as Super Rugby, which have been weakened by player drain and format changes.

READ: ‘Rugby Champs must be played every year’

He warned that fans and players alike still value rugby’s heritage – the trophies, rivalries and folklore that give meaning to the game.

“For me, rugby is built on history and tradition. They are its bedrocks,” said White. “Imagine if there was no more Claret Jug, Calcutta Cup or the Ashes. It’s a piece of history. It means something.”

White urged administrators to stop chasing constant reinvention and focus on restoring the pride and authenticity that once defined the sport.

“I just worry sometimes that rugby moves too fast in search of its nirvana,” he concluded. “Rugby must never lose its soul.”

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