White in line for red rose – again

A report in Tuesday's Guardian suggests, once again, that Jake White is set to be brought in as England coach, this time in the wake of England's disastrous Six Nations campaign.

A report in Tuesday's Guardian suggests, once again, that Jake White is set to be brought in as England coach, this time in the wake of England's disastrous Six Nations campaign.

The report, citing “sources at the RFU”, says that an inquest to be held post-tournament and conducted by Rob Andrew should be concluded within two weeks of the Six Nations' completion, and will point at the lack of forward direction in the England team since the run that took them to the World Cup final in October.

Ashton's authority has been increasingly undermined both by criticism – especially over the Danny Cipriani affair which nobody felt was well-handled – and the lack of a response by the team to the criticism.

There has been a dearth of leadership throughout the tournament, and a mental apathy that has had most pointing to the sidelines.

White, who coached the South Africa team that beat England in that RWC Final, has already said he sees the England job as the ideal one.

“They have a rugby culture and they have played in three World Cup Finals out of six – they have a lot of things going for them,” he has said.