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Eddie Jones and Wayne Smith distance themselves from England job

“Since I finished with the Springboks I have always made it clear I have a burning desire to win another World Cup”, said White after his Montpellier side crashed to 41-18 at Harlequins.

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However, Lancaster was never able to capture the Six Nations, coming second in the past four editions of the tournament, and his ultimate legacy is the huge disappointment suffered at the World Cup. “No-one has come to ask me so at this point in time it’s just media hype”.

“When Rob Andrew got his role I was on the short list, when Martin Johnson got picked I was on the short list, when Lancaster got picked I was on the short list”.

“It is no use me sitting here saying “what if”.

With Lancaster paid around £350,000-a-year during his time in charge, a more experienced man would demand even more from the RFU but Ritchie said: “It’s not a matter of financial considerations we need to get the right man and the best coach”. The nationality is not important, getting the right coach is.

“It is sad when you see a guy who cared so much about the job go, but we understand this is professional sport and that’s what happens”.

“My CV stands itself”.

But statistics taken from Lancaster’s coaching stint with England show that he actually outperformed his predecessors – so was his resignation unwarranted?

Hardly the dawn of a new era, then, and probably not the news George Ford, who lost his place during the World Cup to Farrell’s son Owen, would be hoping for.

A picture taken on October 11, 2015 shows England’s head coach Stuart Lancaster leaving the England team’s hotel following a press conference in Worsley, northern England on the morning after England’s final match of the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup.

Seasoned Australian coach Eddie Jones wants to bring back the flair of old to the Stormers and light up Newlands when he makes his return to Super Rugby in 2016.

But when contacted by The Independent on Sunday Gatland said he was “not interested in the England job”.

Gatland is now holidaying in New Zealand after leading Wales to the World Cup quarter-finals, including a win over England at Twickenham.

“That list appears to be Warren Gatland, Steve Hansen, Wayne Smith, Joe Schmidt, these sort of characters have vast pedigree in terms of winning major trophies”.

“Stuart has been fully involved and has given feedback, as well as the other coaches, players, management and a wide variety of people from around the game”.

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Chief executive Ritchie defended his own position despite previously pledging to take responsibility for England’s World Cup performance ahead of the competition.

Warren Gatland Head Coach of Wales waves prior to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Wales