White interested in England job

Jake White has confirmed he is interested in being the new England head coach after receiving an approach from the Rugby Football Union.

But White, who coached the Springboks to their 2007 World Cup win, would not be in a position to start until after England’s summer tour to South Africa.

The 48-year-old is currently eight months into a four-year contract with the Brumbies and has vowed to see out the current Super Rugby season, which ends in June.

White did not apply for the England job before the February 15 deadline but he has now advised the Brumbies he wants to talk to the RFU about taking over as Martin Johnson’s permanent successor.

England’s current interim coach Stuart Lancaster and the former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett are also understood to be in contention.

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said: “This is a terrific opportunity for Jake White, and one which reflects his status as one of the world’s leading coaches.

“It also speaks volumes about the quality of the Rugby programme that Jake is putting in place here at the Brumbies that he should be sounded out for this role.

“That said, Jake is in the first of a four-year contract with the Brumbies, and there are many details that would need to be worked through should he be successful with his application.”

The RFU want to finalise an appointment before the end of the Six Nations with the aim of having a new permanent coach in place to lead England on the June tour. But the RFU revealed last week they would be prepared to wait if it meant appointing the right man.