RFU denies approaching Nick Mallett
Nick Mallett during his tenure as Italy coach
©Press Association
The Rugby Football Union has denied making contact with former South African and Italian national coach Nick Mallett to gauge his interest as a potential successor to Stuart Lancaster.
Mallett, speaking to the South Africa media on Thursday morning, claims to have received a call from the RFU earlier this week after England's abysmal pool-stage exit in their own World Cup plunged the future of current head coach 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 his native South Africa 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 television, was interviewed for the England position last time it was vacant in 2012 but ultimately lost out to Lancaster following the Cumbrian’s encouraging RBS 6 Nations performance working on an interim 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 Blue Bulls media breakfast.
Lancaster is currently in the process of 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.
"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," Lancaster said.
