Eddie Jones and Wayne Smith – two potential leading candidates to succeed Stuart Lancaster as England head coach – have distanced themselves from the role.
While South African Jake White, who masterminded the Springboks’ 2007 World Cup triumph, remains a clear bookmakers’ favourite, Australian Jones and New Zealander Smith have also been strongly backed.
Jones took Australia to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, when they were beaten by Sir Clive Woodward’s England after extra-time, and he inspired a memorable 2015 World Cup campaign for Japan that included toppling South Africa in scintillating fashion.
Jones, 55, was unveiled as head coach of Cape Town-based Super Rugby franchise the Stormers on Thursday.
Speaking during a press conference after being asked about the England vacancy and reported by www.Supersport.com, Jones said: “Never believe what you read in the papers, mate.
“I am wholly committed to the Stormers.
“I feel privileged to get the chance to coach the Stormers. It is my aim to produce a really good rugby team that can deliver on the expectations of the fans. That is my goal at the moment.”
Smith, meanwhile, plans to take a a break from rugby after being part of the New Zealand coaching staff that oversaw World Cup final glory at Twickenham just 12 days ago.
“I am being clear with everyone that I’m not coaching full-time in 2016,” Smith, 58, told the BBC.
“I’ve had 29 years in the game as a coach, and it’s time for a break. I will see what 2017 and beyond brings.”
Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie has declared the search is on for a new boss of “proven international experience”, which would appear to suggest the overseas market will be England’s stopping point.
The likes of current Australia coach Michael Cheika, Wales boss Warren Gatland and ex-South Africa chief Nick Mallett have also been backed in some quarters as England possibilities.
But while England could now see a first foreign head coach installed after Lancaster departed his role on Wednesday -following a dismal World Cup campaign that produced a painful pool stage exit – the contentious overseas player selection policy is set to stay.
Squirrel
Roar Rookie
Schmidt has to get the gig
Not Bothered
Guest
England should get Rennie and W.Smith. Offer them something they find it very difficult to refuse.
Not Bothered
Guest
What experts!? Thats nonsense. England lost against Wales and Aus. Holy cow! The sky is falling because...thats nothing new at all and quite normal. Lancaster, although he has had a good squad, has NOT been a disaster at the helm nor has the team massively underperformed if pro history is our guide. Exactly in what way is the English game "in a shambles" or "in a mess"?. The under 20s are excelling, the Aviva is doing well, the national team has underperformed slightly but so have many nations, SA came last in the RC ffs. This somehow this makes English rugby in a really bad state? Absolute B0ll0cks. England have a very good squad, lots of money and are keeping most of their best players in England. The game in England is arguably in the best state of any nation except for the quality of player is below NZs and the national team is only performing as a top 5 nation rather than challeging for the top 3. Oh no, they are doomed! Rubbish, complete rubbish.
Joseph
Guest
you keep posting this Not Bothered but experts around the globe including former RWC winning coaches believe it is in trouble. Why are they wrong and you right?
Joseph
Guest
ancient history of doing anything at all The game has probably passed him now. Might as well get SCW back
Not Bothered
Guest
England rugby isnt in a shambles ffs.
Not Bothered
Guest
England are not in a mess at all.
Not Bothered
Guest
White wont help England progress. He will help them regress.
dru
Roar Rookie
I'm not so sure. I think Whites style would England and they might match really nicely. Issue is more about the appearance that English fans don't seem happy with Emglish style rugby anymore.
Not Bothered
Guest
I would think Deans would be a serious contender.
Not Bothered
Guest
Pfffft. Theres a reason he hasnt been mentioned.
Redbull
Guest
A pretty interesting dark horse that hasn't been mentioned a lot
Drak
Guest
What about PDV? Given the shambles and chaos English rugby is in, he might just be the perfect fit.
cuw
Guest
it is not a definite no. when england got koed, he said him coaching with sir clive woodward as director would be a dream team. while scw said no to coaching again, he has not said no to director post. however that job is filled by rob andrew now. sir henry said no and wayne smith is not going to coach in 2016. cheika just took over auzzy. that leaves eddie and white as the two front runners with schmidt as the dark horse. imo they will find it hard to find a very good coach, unless at a very high cost. the main issue is the structure. untill it changes no one will be able to do their thing.
Garth
Guest
Link, Dingo and Sir JK are available, although I hope KIrwan's friends and family lock him in a room if he considers applying. The job would destroy him if he got it.
JonA
Guest
Eddie is on record as saying that if the RFU called he'd listen. The latest quote, he's still not ruling himself out. He's saying that he's had no approach and that he's got a really good gig already down in SA. The subtext for that would be 'you said money was no object, right?' I was more interested in Wayne Smith's responses. Firstly, he's not doing any full-time coaching in 2016. 2017 - who knows? Secondly, he also said this: "My head can turn like anyone else when it comes to money but, ultimately, I've come to understand that's not what's going to make you happy." Why even mention money if you're distancing yourself from the job? If England are smart (I live in hope) they'll get him onboard part time in 2016 and 'assist him' with his European vacation. Basically just do whatever it takes. Though I may be guilty of a bit of wishful thinking here!
Markus
Guest
Jake White also coached the Boks to a Tri-nations title in his first year in charge, picking up a team that had performed terribly in 2003 and by all accounts were a mess internally. He then did similar with the Brumbies, getting them to their first final in a decade before leaving prematurely. People can criticise his style of play and his opportunism, but his history of rebuilding disfunctional teams speaks for itself.
nmpcart
Guest
John Mitchell was actually the England forwards coach at one time wasn't he? I seem to recall that he was pretty good at it so maybe he'd fancy a go. Ewen McKenzie would have to be in consideration - there really aren't that many successful international coaches who are still going around that could make a case for this role so perhaps they do need to look closer to home at one of their local coaches who has a good track record and let them build a strong team around them. The talent pool is there, and the resources too, so there is no reason why a good coaching team with a clear vision shouldn't be able to make a good go of it - perhaps they are hampered by internal club politics?
Jameswm
Guest
Cheika mentioned? Seriously?
henry
Guest
Ewen Mckencie ???