Jake White
Credentials Reputation defined by the three years he spent as South Africa coach, culminating in the glory of the 2007 World Cup. One of the very few to emerge from the most impossible job in rugby with reputation enhanced.
Drawbacks A peripatetic nature to rival that of Eddie Jones. A brutally pragmatic coach unlikely to turn England into a pleasing team to watch.
Likelihood Slight. No doubt he’d take the job if offered, but not an appointment that would generate any real excitement.
Jim Mallinder
Credentials Superb work with England Under-20s and then the Saxons in the 00s. Has since taken Northampton to a first Premiership title, a Heineken Cup final and a couple of Challenge Cups.
Weaknesses No experience of the senior international game, which would make him the third such appointment England have made in a row.
Likelihood Very slight. One day the job may well be his, but for now England will be looking for a candidate of higher standing on the international stage.
Eddie Jones
Credentials The sharpest mind in rugby, he coaxes the best from his teams – which is pretty much the job description of the ideal coach. A World Cup winner as assistant coach with South Africa in 2007 and guided a declining Australia to the final in 2003. And then there was the small matter of Japan in Brighton.
Drawbacks He never stays anywhere very long – treat them mean and keep them keen seems to be Jones’s policy. Four years with Australia and the three just ended with Japan are his longest stints. Thirteen jobs in the past 21 years suggests he’d be unlikely to stay beyond 2019.
Likelihood Fair, which makes Jones the most likely. He has a new job with the Stormers but has welcomed an approach from England. The prospect of surpassing his old sparring partner, Sir Clive Woodward, would appeal, as would coaching at the next World Cup.
Warren Gatland
Credentials Dizzying array of trophies, both internationally and with Wasps in England, including two grand slams and a further Six Nations title with Wales, a National Provincial Championship with Waikato, the Premiership (three times) and Heineken Cup with Wasps. Oh, and a series win in Australia with the Lions.
Drawbacks Seems to pride himself on the mind game, which quite often returns to haunt him. There is a perception, too, that Wales have become predictable under him but that can be countered by the argument that he is merely making the most of their strengths.
Likelihood Limited. His current contract with Wales runs until 2019. Crossing the great divide would be a terrible slap in the face to the country he has come to think of as his own. May feel that his next stop is the All Blacks, anyway.
Michael Cheika
Credentials Well-travelled, multiple trophy winner in Europe and the southern hemisphere. Only man to have coached European and Super Rugby champions. Played a blinder with Australia at this World Cup, humiliating along the way the man England are trying to replace. Has transformed the Wallabies in a year.
Drawbacks He has been prone to the odd emotional outburst under pressure, and the England job would see the millibars reach new heights. But Cheika was such a model of diplomacy and liveliness – a very fine balance to strike – at the World Cup that he would seem to have addressed that aspect.
Likelihood Fair to limited. Has allegedly already been approached, which boosts the chances considerably. Current contract with Australia runs to 2017 and he has ruled out any departure before then. But words are cheap, unlike any contract from the RFU. Current job is a plum one, which makes him slightly less likely than Jones.
Sir Clive Woodward
Credentials The emotional reflex option. That gong he picked up in 2003 needs no further introduction and spooks England to this day. He proved adept at wading into the political scene back then, an attribute that will be more than handy for whoever gets the gig. Oh, and he’s English.
Drawbacks While a job within the corridors may yet be his, giving him a hands-on role with the team would seem too much like a desperate attempt to revive former glories. His stewardship of the 2005 Lions was an acutely embarrassing episode of hubris and humiliation.
Likelihood Limited to slight. He has made it pretty obvious he would like to return but his appointment would not come across as progressive.
