Eddie Jones has been sacked as England head coach by the RFU.
The 62-year-old leaves his role immediately, after seven years at the Twickenham helm.
Jones’ contract was due to expire after next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
Leicester’s Steve Borthwick will be expected to step into the breach and drive England forward.
The RFU will have to pay Leicester sizeable compensation to secure the former England captain’s release from Welford Road.
England have just nine games until the World Cup in September, and have removed Jones after their worst set of calendar-year results since 2008.
Jones’ side claimed just five wins in 12 Tests in 2022, winning just one of four autumn internationals.
Jones stated: “I am pleased with much that we have achieved as an England team and I look forward to watching the team’s performance in the future. Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch and I wish them all well in their future careers.”
The former Australia and Japan coach still boasts a 73 per cent win record at the England helm however, leaving Jones loyalists to suggest the RFU is making a grave mistake.
Chief executive Bill Sweeney has overseen the RFU’s review into the autumn campaign that has now proved Jones’ last.
He said: “It is important to recognise the huge contribution Eddie has made to English rugby, winning three Six Nations Championships, one Grand Slam and taking us to a Rugby World Cup final. He has the highest win ratio of any previous England head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches.
“I am grateful to Eddie for all he has done for England across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he has approached reviewing the performance of the team. He has provided the panel with astute insight and meaningful lessons that will support the team performance going forward.”
