Warren Gatland says not interested in England job

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has ruled himself out of the running to succeed Stuart Lancaster as England boss.

"I am not interested in the England job," Gatland told WalesOnline.

After leading Wales to two Grand Slams, a World Cup semi-final in 2011 and a quarter-final last month, Gatland has a contract with Wales until after the 2019 World Cup.

Some reports had suggested he would be prepared to consider any approach from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) but he joins fellow New Zealanders Wayne Smith and Graham Henry in dismissing speculation linking him to the job.

Lancaster left his post after England failed to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, suffering pool-stage losses to Australia and Gatland's Wales at Twickenham.

South African Jake White, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007, remains the bookmakers' favourite and he says the RFU must approach him if they want him to take over.

"Since I finished with the Springboks I have always made it clear I have a burning desire to win another World Cup," White said.

"I can win the World Cup for England. I would never be saying that I was keen on the job if I did not believe I could do it."