Joe Schmidt plays down England link

The report claims that England are lining up the New Zealander to replace their coach, Stuart Lancaster, after a dismal tournament on home soil.

Although Lancaster is contracted to remain as England coach until 2020, his future has been the subject of much speculation since England crashed out of the Rugby World Cup at the pool stage.

England are the first host nation not to make it to the knockout phase of the World Cup.

Considering that they fell dramatically short in that regard, he is coming under increasing pressure in the England hot seat.

Joe Schmidt did not look happy when a job rumour was brought into the open.

Midi Olympique believe that while Eddie Jones and Jake White have expressed an interest in succeeding Lancaster, Twickenham’s top brass have identified the Ireland coach as their preferred candidate.

A couple of credible rugby sources ran with the story that may be nothing more than wishful thinking from the RFU after a wretched World Cup.

“I don’t know where that’s come from at all”, he said.

“If we had lost (to France) last weekend it could be someone else propositioned for this job. I enjoy chatting with him before and after matches and I certainly am not going after his job”.