RWC 2015: RFU deny making approach to Nick Mallett to succeed Stuart Lancaster as England head coach
The former South Africa and Italy head coach claims he has been contacted over replacing Lancaster
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Your support makes all the difference.The Rugby Football Union has denied making an approach to Nick Mallett in a bid to find a replacement for England head coach Stuart Lancaster, after the South African made claims that he has received contact over the role.
Former Springboks and Italy head coach Mallett told South African media that he received a phone call from the RFU earlier this week following England’s embarrassingly early exit from the Rugby World Cup.
Lancaster faces an uncertain future following intense criticism of his selection choices during the World Cup as well as failing to land any silverware in the form of the Six Nations during his four years in charge, and the failure to emerge from Pool A instead of either Australia or Wales has raised serious questions over his future as head coach.
The RFU has insisted that a full review of Lancaster and his coaching staff will take place before any decision is made, while Lancaster himself has delayed talk of resigning from his role until after England’s final pool game against Uruguay on Saturday.
An RFU spokesman said on Friday: "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."
The response comes after Mallett, who is currently working as an analyst for South African television, claimed he had been contacted over replacing the man that he lost out to when Lancaster was given the job in 2012 on a permanent 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 during a media breakfast for Super Rugby side Blue Bulls.
Lancaster has also been asked for his response on the matter, and insisted that he was unaware of any contact between the RFU and a possible successor to his tenure.
"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," said Lancaster.
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