Cockerill in England running

RICHARD COCKERILL has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Eddie Jones as England coach after the World Cup.

Interim RFU CEO Nigel Melville has compiled a longlist of candidates — with a preference for a ‘hands-on’ English successor.

Leicester legend Cockerill, who has turned Edinburgh into a European force, was namechecked when Melville outlined details of his recruitment drive.

Rival coaches Mark McCall and Rob Baxter have distanced themselves from the job, with Red Rose chiefs likely to wait until next November before announcing their decision.

Warren Gatland and Stuart Lancaster are the highestprofile candidates, while Joe Worsley and Steve Borthwick also being monitored.

‘Cockerill has done an amazing job in Edinburgh,’ said Melville. ‘I questioned whether he would but actually he’s done a really good job. I have been watching them a lot. I’m sure Steve Borthwick would be interested. He’s a good developing coach and he knows international rugby pretty well now.

‘There are these young guys around that you sometimes don’t think about — Joe Worsley has done a great job in Bordeaux and it’ll be interesting to see how that develops.

‘We want a heavyweight international coach or a potential international heavyweight coach.

‘One that understands culture and the importance of culture. An out-and-out coach. Eddie is an out- and-out coach. So is Gatland.’

Melville added that Gareth Southgate’s World Cup success with the England football team has reinforced the importance of a homegrown coach.

‘Gareth has played on Englishness,’ said Melville. ‘Eddie accepts that and Englishness is important… essential.’