Paul Gustard considering England role

Paul Gustard is considering an offer to join the new England coaching staff being assembled under new boss Eddie Jones.

Saracens rugby director Mark McCall revealed after his team's 45-10 European Champions Cup victory over Oyonnax on Sunday that 39-year-old Gustard had been offered an assistant coach role.

Saracens' current defence and forwards coach - if he accepts the post - is expected to be joined by former England captain Steve Borthwick as part of Jones’ new-look setup.

Borthwick is currently working with Championship club Bristol, but he served as an assistant under Jones during Japan's memorable 2015 World Cup campaign that saw the Brave Blossoms record three pool stage victories including over South Africa.

The Rugby Football Union has remained tight-lipped about possible identities of those who will work with Jones, but time appears to have run out for England's World Cup trio Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt.

They were head coach Stuart Lancaster's right-hand men during a dismal World Cup when England became a first host nation in the tournament's 28-year history to bow out before the quarter-final stage.

Lancaster paid an inevitable price and departed the RFU last month, with Jones taking over as England's first overseas head coach.

"Paul has been made an offer to become an assistant coach with England," McCall said.

"He is considering the offer, and I'm sure there will be some dealings between the RFU and ourselves over the next 24-48 hours.

"When there is anything more to add we will announce in due course."

Gustard has been an integral part of Saracens' success under McCall, including winning the Aviva Premiership title last season and being a consistent force in Europe. 

He played for Leicester during the 1990s, making almost 100 appearances for the Tigers and featuring during the 2001 European Cup final victory against Stade Francais in Paris.

Gustard left Leicester in 2002 too join London Irish, making 98 appearances in four years for the Exiles, then headed to Saracens, where he moved into coaching after his playing days ended.