Eddie Jones’ two-year contract extension as England head coach means he will now leave the position in 2021.
The Australian was due to step down after the 2019 World Cup but will now work alongside his eventual successor, who the Rugby Football Union hope to appoint by 2020, until his departure.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at some of the candidates to fill the role.
ROB BAXTER
The 46-year-old Devonian has established a spectacular portfolio at Exeter. The former club captain guided Exeter to Premiership promotion in 2010, since when the Chiefs have gone from strength to strength, culminating in being crowned English champions last May. Baxter was part of England’s coaching staff for the 2013 Argentina tour, and he appears tailor-made to succeed Jones.
Exeter Chiefs’ English head coach Rob Baxter.
MARK MCCALL
Former Ireland international full-back McCall, 50, has overseen the greatest period in Saracens’ history. During his time with the club, the Northern Irishman has seen them win three Premiership titles and land the European Champions Cup in 2016 and 2017. Additionally, McCall has been instrumental in the growth of current England stars like Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje.
Saracens’ Mark McCall.
DAVE RENNIE
New Zealander Rennie, 54, forged a formidable coaching reputation in his home country, notably during his time in charge of the Hamilton-based Super Rugby side the Chiefs. He is now at the helm with Guinness PRO14 leaders Glasgow and is thought to feature on the Welsh Rugby Union’s current shortlist as a possible successor to Warren Gatland as Wales boss after the next World Cup.
In the frame: Dave Rennie.
WARREN GATLAND
Rennie’s fellow New Zealander Gatland will step down following 11 years in charge of Wales following the 2019 World Cup in Japan. The 54-year-old’s enviable CV at Test level includes Six Nations titles and Grand Slams with Wales, plus a Test series victory over Australia and a series draw with world champions New Zealand during stints as British and Irish Lions head coach.
Warren Gatland could be available for the hotseat.
DEAN RICHARDS
Former England number eight Richards, 54, enjoyed an outstanding playing career, and he wasted little time making a success of things after moving into coaching. During his time in charge at Leicester, the Tigers won four successive Premiership titles and the European Cup in 2001 and 2002. Now in charge of Newcastle, he has overseen considerable improvements, guiding the Falcons to their best league finish for 11 years last term and qualifying for this season’s European Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Another name linked: Dean Richards.