Jake White and Michael Cheika fit the bill as England seek ‘proven’ coach to replace Stuart Lancaster
First overseas appointment on the cards after World Cup humiliation
Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie said England were determined to appoint a coach of “proven international experience” in succession to Stuart Lancaster - however long it took.
England's dismal World Cup campaign set the seal on Lancaster's three-and-a-half years in charge, with the RFU announcing on Wednesday he had left his post by “mutual consent”.
Under Lancaster , who had little prior elite rugby experience, England became the first host nation to fail to get out of the group phase at the World Cup.
It’s very important we get a head coach of proven international experience. Speed is important, but the right person is more important
Ritchie said the decision to replace Lancaster had been “unanimously accepted” by the governing body's board.
England's next match is their Six Nations opener away to Scotland on February 6, with the squad due to be announced in January.
But, despite that timescale, Ritchie said the RFU would not rush the appointment of Lancaster's successor.
“The most important thing is to get the right person,” Ritchie said. “It's very important we get a head coach of proven international experience. Speed is important, but the right person is more important.”