On the eve of the Brumbies' round-three match against the Free State Cheetahs and just one game into a four-year contract, White yesterday signalled his ambition to become England's next coach. But it's understood the Brumbies players and coaching staff have been left in limbo with White yet to address his team about his uncertain future.

White did not return calls from The Canberra Times yesterday and it's unlikely he will discuss his position until after tomorrow's match.

Paul, a former Brumbies and Wallabies hooker, passionately jumped to the defence of the squad and said the ''debacle could be potentially destructive for the Brumbies''.

''It's ridiculous, it's beyond destabilising … to hear in the third round your coach is interested in going somewhere else, what were the Brumbies - a stop-gap?'' Paul said.

''It throws everything out … you can't go and field an offer after six months on the job.

''It's not even about him leaving, it's about him wanting to take an offer. If he jumps on a plane to go over there, he should stay over there.

''He's got three-and-a-half years left on his contract and all of a sudden we're in the position where we could have another caretaker coach … if you want to completely wreck a place, this could do it.''

The Brumbies' preparation for just their second Super Rugby match under White was thrown into chaos yesterday when the club was forced to react to ongoing speculation about White because of a story broken by The Canberra Times. Instead of focusing on securing a second consecutive victory, all the attention is on White. He was absent from his scheduled press conference yesterday to announce his team to play the Cheetahs, leaving captain Ben Mowen to front the media.

''Jake can make the decisions for himself but, as far as I know, he's here for four years,'' Mowen said. ''That's where we're at - Jake's here and we'll see what eventuates.''

Prop Ben Alexander said White had addressed the players when he was previously linked to the South African coaching role expected the coach would speak to them today.

In his six months in Canberra, White has overhauled the playing roster and facilities at the club's Griffith headquarters to try to turn around the worst season in the Brumbies' history.

Former captain Stephen Hoiles - who left the Brumbies last November due to a chronic Achilles problem - said White's possible departure was a devastating blow for the club. Hoiles was skipper when Andy Friend was axed in March last year.

Hoiles said White had demonstrated double standards by forcing Brumbies players to play club rugby in Canberra but wavering in his own commitment to the capital. ''You can't tell players they have to stay in Canberra and play club rugby in Canberra and then have this happen, it's a double standard,'' Hoiles said.

''I feel sorry for the fans and for the players … they don't need to go through something like this again.

''The Brumbies have the most inexperienced squad in a long time and I'd be surprised if this wasn't a distraction for them.''

Paul feared White's possible departure would harm the Brumbies' ability to recruit and retain players.

''When players choose between the five [Australian] teams they want to go somewhere they can be coached,'' Paul said.

''Jake lures players and he was here for four years to attract players, now who knows if that will happen.''