The RFU have revealed their succession plan to replace Eddie Jones with a team of home-grown coaches following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
'We've got an advanced succession plan in place,' Bill Sweeney said. 'We've got a war room that's got every English coach you can imagine - based here and based internationally. It's got contracts and all sorts of things. There's a very definite plan.
'We believe we've got such a wealth of English coaches in the game. As a leading rugby nation, we should be developing English coaches and an English style of play. That should be long-term and therefore the preference would be to have an English set-up as far as I'm concerned.'
'Warren Gatland hasn't been approached because we believe that Eddie's the person to take us through to 2023,' Sweeney added.
CONTENDERS TO REPLACE EDDIE JONES:
#1. Rob Baxter (Exeter Chiefs)
Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate on 23 Apr. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#2. Alex Sanderson (Sale Sharks)
Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks at Sandy Park on 6 March 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
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#3. Richard Cockerill (England)
#4. Stuart Lancaster (Leinster)
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#5. Andy Farrell (Ireland)
#6. Steve Borthwick (Leicester Tigers)
Steve Borthwick and Neal Hatley talk before the Guinness Six Nations Championship match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on February 23, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
