RFU denies Nick Mallett approach over role of new England coach
Friday 9 October 2015 19:19, UK
South African Nick Mallett has not been contacted over the role of England head coach, the Rugby Football Union has insisted.
Mallett, speaking to the South Africa media, claims to have received a call from the English governing body earlier this week after England's World Cup demise plunged the future of Stuart Lancaster into doubt.
"There is a clear process at the conclusion of England's tournament, which starts with the review. No pre-judgements have been made nor anyone contacted," an RFU spokesperson said.
Mallett coached the Springboks from 1997 to 2000 and spent four years at the helm of Italy before his reign ended in 2011.
The 58-year-old, currently working as an analyst on South African TV, was interviewed for the England position in 2012, but the RFU opted for Lancaster after the Cumbrian had presided over an encouraging Six Nations on a caretaker basis.
"I'm not going to consider it. I was keen for the challenge in 2011, but not anymore. I'm enjoying my current job," Mallett is reported to have said at a Blue Bulls media breakfast on Thursday.
Lancaster is preparing his team for Saturday's final World Cup match against Uruguay at Manchester City Stadium after successive defeats by Wales and Australia knocked England out of the World Cup.
On the speculation, Lancaster said: "I didn't know that to be honest, that's just the nature of the situation we are in. For me it's a case of getting on with the day job."
On the topic of England's clubs pointing the finger of blame at Lancaster for the inability to progress from the pool stage of the World Cup, the head coach refused to return fire in public.
"I have a really good relationship with the directors of rugby and I spend a lot of time ringing them and chatting through things," Lancaster said.
"Lots of them have been in during the Six Nations and also the World Cup. My approach beyond this tournament is to do the same as I've always done which is to go and see them and chat things through.
"Whether we agree or disagree over selection, we'll do it professionally, privately and in the way it should be done.
"I have no problem with my relationship with them and I look forward to chatting to them and taking the lessons learnt."
