Michael Cheika rules out coaching England

Recent speculation had claimed that the current Australia boss was on a shortlist of contenders to fill the position, which has been vacant since last week when Lancaster departed by mutual consent.

The former Leinster coach also added that there had been no contact from the RFU. “The reality is that, while many aspects of the review were very positive, we didn’t achieve success on the field when it mattered and we all have to take responsibility for that but me especially as head coach”. There’s nothing that would make me change my mind.

Cheika was only appointed Australia coach in October 2014 and in a year turned a side then in disarray into World Cup finalists. It’s too soon. If they want me to, I’d like to coach through to 2019, for sure – I obviously want to do that’.

Yet, though the RFU has set out its stall to find a coach with that sort of worldwide pedigree, Cheika was adamant that there are coaches in the English club game who should be considered.

The only major overseas coach to declare his interest in the England job is South Africa’s Jake White, who hasn’t been in charge of a Test side since guiding the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007.

“I just think there are good coaches coaching in the Premiership”, he said.

Lancaster’s reign ended with immediate effect when he stepped down from the role after a miserable World Cup. There are lots of good English coaches who could be coaching England for sure.

The Rugby Football Union is searching for a coach of “proven global experience” to replace Lancaster, who stepped down last week in the wake of England’s failure to advance from the group stage of a tournament they hosted.

“I know they’re nice stories to run but I’d say the RFU have got a plan in the background of what they want to do …” “But I wrote, back when he was given a six-year contract, that when it came down to it, he would do the honourable thing if he failed – and he has done”.

“If you look like a guy like Dorian West at Northampton, he’s done such a good job with the scrum and forwards”. Warren Gatland, Eddie Jones and Wayne Smith have already done so, as have domestic possibilities, including Jim Mallinder, Mike Ford and Rob Baxter.

“I just think you have got to build something from within”.