"Star studded" - Leicester Tigers have four man shortlist to be their next head coach

He left the club on December 19th to take over as England's head coach, with Richard Wigglesworth serving as interim coach until the end of the season.

Borthwick has helped to compile a shortlist of potential permanent replacements, and Chief Executive Andrea Pinchen stated, "Who better to ask than Steve Borthwick? I am not the rugby brain of this organization, but I've got this rugby brain like Steve, so why wouldn't I try to make the most of that.

"I asked if he would be willing, not to choose his successor, but to be part of a process where I could put names in front of him to get his opinion on their coaching ability and references if he has worked with them before.

"It was really key for me to make sure that I got as much information as I can. He was extremely helpful and said yes immediately. He wants to leave Leicester in a good position."

Pinchen added: ‘That final decision has not yet been made. We’ve spoken to a number of people. We’re still in motion with our plan. I’m not putting a time-frame on it because what I need to make sure we get it right.

Asked about any further approaches from the RFU, she added: ‘I’ve had absolutely nothing. It was initially about Steve (Borthwick), then it became about Steve and Kev (Sinfield), and they’re the only conversations I had with the RFU.’

The Telegraph reports that the narrowing shortlist features current Argentina boss Cheika prominently.

Sources have told Sportsmail that Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is set to take charge after the World Cup. 

He took on the position of Scotland Head Coach in the summer of 2017 after five seasons at the helm of Glasgow Warriors.

The Gala man made an immediate impact at the Scotstoun club, leading the side into the Play-Offs in his first season (2012/13) before reaching the PRO12 Final in 2014, ultimately losing to Leinster.

In 2015, however, Townsend led Glasgow to title success, defeating Munster 31-13 to lift the Guinness PRO12 trophy, before enjoying another first in his final year, when the club reached the knockout rounds of the European Champions Cup for the first time.

Townsend was named Guinness PRO12 Coach of the Year twice during his time in the west of the Scotland, a club he joined from his position as Assistant Coach to the Andy Robinson with the naitonal team (2009-2012).

Following his shock departure from Fiji last week, 'stern Vern' has been linked with the vacant Tigers job by The Telegraph

The 61-year-old New Zealander, appointed in January 2020, has left for personal reasons.

"I'm disappointed to be leaving at this time," said Cotter, who led Scotland to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2015.

"The team has made some significant improvements over the last few years both on and off the field."

Cotter is the fourth international head coach to leave his role in the past two months, following the departures of Wayne Pivac (Wales), Eddie Jones (England) and Dave Rennie (Australia).

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and coaches I have worked with during my time with the team," said Cotter.

"I believe we built a great culture which was testament to some good people working hard and enjoying each other's company.

"I wish the team all the very best for the upcoming Rugby World Cup later this year."

Another name mentioned is Leicester legend Richards.

Richards played as a number eight for Leicester Tigers from 1982 to 1997, during which he appeared in 314 games.

He served as captain when Leicester won the 1994-95 Courage League, the 1997 Pilkington Cup, the inaugural English league title in 1987-88, and the 1993 Pilkington Cup.

After retiring from playing in 1998, Richards was appointed as Leicester Director of Rugby. Under his leadership, Leicester won the Premiership Rugby title in his first four seasons and also the Heineken Cup in 2001 and 2002, becoming the first team to retain the trophy.

He then spent one year as head coach of FC Grenoble in France's Top 16. From 2005 to 2009, he coached Harlequins and led them to victory in the second division in 2006, and also to a second-place finish in the Premiership in 2009. However, Richards was banned from coaching for three years following the Bloodgate scandal.

Once his ban was over, he was appointed head coach of Newcastle Falcons, and led the team to another second-division title in 2013.