Michael Cheika on England's radar?

Australia coach Michael Cheika has reportedly been approached by the Rugby Football Union to replace Stuart Lancaster as England's head coach although the RFU have denied that any contact has been made.

RFU President Jason Leonard has - according to reports - sounded out Cheika about taking on English rugby's top job in the wake of a disastrous World Cup for Lancaster's men.

The RFU have rejected the reports, a spokesman saying "There has been no contact."

While Cheika coached the Wallabies to the final, where they were beaten by New Zealand, England slumped to defeats against Wales and Australia on their way to a group-stage exit.

Ex-Leinster boss Cheika has a contract with the Australian Rugby Union until 2017 and the 48-year-old has been widely praised for his work with the Wallabies.

According to The Australian newspaper, Cheika has been approached as speculation grows around Lancaster's future.

A five-man panel led by Ian Ritchie is expected to deliver its findings following a review into England's World Cup failure to an RFU board management meeting on 17th November.

Cheika, who only took over as Australia coach in October 2014, was named World Rugby's coach of the year last week and is the latest high profile coach to have been linked with the England job.

While the RFU at first refused to comment while Ritchie's review continues, Nick Mallett and Joe Schmidt are among the names rumoured to have been shortlisted.