Sir Ian McGeechan ranks the 'three' front runners to replace Eddie Jones

Jones announced recently that he would finish up in his role with England after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having first taken the job in 2016.

Mitchell, who has acted as both New Zealand and the USA’s head coach in the past, recently left the England set-up to join Wasps’ coaching team after a disappointing Six Nations campaign.

The New Zealander is highly experienced, although he rarely stays in the one place for too long, and last acted as a head coach with South African club side the Bulls in 2018.

Farrell currently has his hands full as Ireland’s head coach, although his contract is also set to end in 2023, which would make him a viable replacement for Jones.

“The two other big hitters, and again they would be near the top of my list if you were offering the role to someone tomorrow, would be John Mitchell and Andy Farrell."

Gatland will resume his role as head coach of New Zealand Super Rugby side the Chiefs, having taken a year out to coach the Lions in South Africa, although his current contract will end before the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“If you were offering the job to someone tomorrow, the person at the top of my list, for a two-year appointment to take England to the next World Cup, would probably be Warren Gatland,” McGeechan wrote.

“Simply because Gats has the experience, the track record, knows the players, would be able to gel everyone together and is reasonably available."