Bill Sweeney, the Rugby Football Union chief executive, intends to appoint an English successor to Eddie Jones, in effect ruling out a move for a big-hitting overseas replacement such as Warren Gatland or Rassie Erasmus.
Sweeney has given his backing to Jones – whose contract runs through to the 2023 World Cup – to continue despite a torrid Six Nations campaign and though the Australian’s position will be kept under constant review the RFU’s plan is to appoint his successor next summer. The new coach could even work under Jones at the World Cup in France before taking over.
