Cumbrian Steve Borthwick is among the contenders to take over as England coach following today’s sacking of Eddie Jones.
Nine months before the next Rugby World Cup England are without a head coach and forwards coach Richard Cockerill will take over the running of the team on an interim basis.
Borthwick, 43, a former England captain, is among the names being suggested as a possible replacement.
The Leicester coach served as England forwards coach under Jones between 2016 and 2019, and is regarded as the leading domestic contender for the job.
Carlisle-born Borthwick started his senior career at Preston and in 16 years played for Bath and Saracens from where he won 57 caps for England.
Jones sacking follows a poor year of results, with only five wins from 12 Tests in 2022.
The 62-year-old won three Six Nations titles in his seven years in charge and led the team to the 2019 World Cup final, which they lost to South Africa.
Jones’ sacking follows a review into England’s disappointing autumn campaign, which saw one win from four matches.