White says he won't rush into taking on any new job

White, who guided the Springboks to World Cup glory in France in October, has been linked with the England post.

But speaking ahead of Saturday's Test against Wales in Cardiff, he said: "I don't want to take the first job that comes about.

"It's all about timing and making sure you're available at the right time."

News conference: South Africa coach Jake White

Interview: Gavin Henson

White has been linked with several posts since revealing he would not be seeking to renew his South Africa contract.

He said: "I've been quite amazed by how many jobs I've been offered in the newspapers that I haven't really got to know about."

The 43-year-old has said that the England job is one he would be interested in, but he expressed sympathy for current head coach Brian Ashton.

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Ashton, 61, defied the odds to guide England to the final in France, but his management style was criticised by senior players Mike Catt and Lawrence Dallaglio.

White said: "I think (the speculation) is a little unfair on a guy like Brian who's taken his team to the World Cup final.

"There's nothing worse than being an incumbent coach and listening all the time about some other guy trying to your vie for your job."

White added that the Wales head coach's job, which he was also linked with, had become available too soon.

He said: "I did meet with a couple of WRU officials, but Wales were keen on getting things in place sooner rather than later, which probably didn't suit where I was at that time.

"At this point, straight from the horse's mouth, my priority is to finish off my tenure as South Africa coach, take some time off and then see what opportunities come along next year."