England would be 'crazy' not to appoint Warren Gatland as their next coach and RFU chiefs have every chance of luring Wales' triple Grand Slam winner to Twickenham.
That's the view of Ian McGeechan - a man who knows Gatland better than most, having worked with the New Zealander at Wasps and for the Lions.
Gatland's plans after this autumn's World Cup have provided plenty of column inches, with the 55-year-old seemingly nailed on to coach a third Lions tour when they take on the Springboks in 2021.
McGeechan reckons Gatland is a shoo-in for the Lions again, but doesn't feel that will hamper any arrangements he may have with the RFU for succeeding Eddie Jones in the England job.
McGeechan, writing in the Sunday Telegraph, said Jones and Gatland, working alongside one another in a 'bedding-in' period, could work.
He said in his column: "England – like France – would be crazy not to try to get Gats. And I genuinely think they could.
"If he was Welsh and leaving Wales that would be different. But he is a Kiwi who has coached Ireland, he has coached Wales, he has coached in England.
"Scotland is the only home nation with whom he has not had a professional connection.
"And while there is the situation with Eddie Jones staying on for another two years after the World Cup to help the next guy “bed in”, I think they could make it work.
"Plus, having Eddie still involved with England would mean Gats could take the necessary time off to lead the Lions.
"I’m sure even Eddie – despite his crass recent observation that the Lions head coach role was merely an “ambassador job” and that the last thing he would want to do would be to “spend eight weeks in a blazer” – would allow him that.
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"I mentioned in a recent column that France would be crazy not to offer him a job. I still think that but it looks as if the French clubs have decided against appointing a foreign coach.
"There is still a potential role with England, of course. And why not?
"Whatever happens, though, I know Gats will put the Lions first.
"He’s a Lion through and through.
"It is why I am so heartened by the prospect not only of Gatland returning – and I think he will, despite the slightly bitter taste left in his mouth by the treatment he received as Lions coach from his home media in New Zealand two years ago – but also of Jason Leonard being appointed chairman. That is another hugely significant appointment.
"A team of Gatland and Leonard would, I feel, give the Lions a chance.
"Both are held in the utmost respect. And crucially, they know what it takes to succeed."
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