Don White

Donald Frederick White (born 16 January 1926 in Earls Barton, England, died 21 April 2007) was an English rugby union footballer and coach. He was England's first national coach from 1969 until 1971, finishing with a record of three wins and a draw from 11 matches.

He was educated at Wellingborough Grammar School and at the age of 17 made his debut for Northampton, playing at prop. He made his Test debut for England in 1947 against Wales as flanker. He played 13 more matches for England, his last in 1953.

White became Northampton's captain in 1954 and continued in the role until he retired from rugby in 1961 at the age of 35. He had represented his club 448 times.

In 1964 he became managing director and chairman of his family's shoe business, which received a Queen's award for export achievement in 1990.

Playing career White made his first-class debut when he played for Northampton against Coventry in 1943. He was only 17 at the time and attending Wellingborough Grammar School. He had been recommended to the Northampton team by his history teacher. White said of his debut - where he played at prop - "I thought I'd get a fearful hiding, but I emerged unscathed." White continued to play for Northampton, and eventually switched from playing prop to flanker.

In 1945 White made his first appearance against a touring side when Northampton played New Zealand Services; Northampton lost 11–6. In 1947 he was selected to make his international debut for England against Wales. He collected a cross-field kick to score a try to help England win 9–3.

Coach and administrator White was appointed as England's first-ever coach in 1969. According to former Northampton player Bob Taylor, "Don was chosen because he was the most forward-thinking coach in England".