Jake White rules himself out of contention for Ireland coaching job

South African World Cup-winning coach Jake White has ruled himself out of contention for the vacant Ireland job.

White, who currently coaches Australian club the Brumbies, said he had been approached by Irish rugby bosses but had declined an interview for the job.

"I'm not available. I've made it quite clear that I've got a Brumbies contract," White told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt remains the favourite to land the job.

Schmidt said on Tuesday that he expected to hold discussions with the Irish Rugby Football Union about the job before the end of this week while Queensland Reds coach Ewen McKenzie and Les Kiss are also expected to be interviewed for the job.

Kiss was part of the backroom team of Declan Kidney who was sacked from the Ireland coaching job earlier this month after the country's disappointing Six Nations campaign.

McKenzie has already announced he is stepping down from his position at the end of the season to chase an international coaching job.

There have also been reports that Wales defensive coach Shaun Edwards could be interviewed for the Ireland job.

White coached South Africa to the 2007 World Cup title and was also linked with the England job last year before then interim boss Stuart Lancaster was given the role on a permanent basis.