RFU denies holding talks with World Cup-winning coach Erasmus to replace Jones

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) described reports linking Rassie Erasmus with the England job as “100 per cent inaccurate”, insisting no approach has been made for the South African to replace head coach Eddie Jones.

Speculation emerged from South Africa that England were lining up Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks coach Erasmus to succeed Jones.

Erasmus, who reverted back to his position as director of rugby after overseeing South Africa’s victory over England in Japan last November, attended Saturday’s Six Nations clash between Jones’ side and Scotland at Murrayfield.

However, the RFU distanced itself from speculation after England boss Jones ended a run of back-to-back defeats.

“The reports are 100 per cent inaccurate. There has been no meeting. There have been no talks whatsoever about any position at the RFU,” said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.

Thank you to all the England fans that travelled to Murrayfield and all our supporters for getting behind the team 

On to round three #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/UuCXEW6aTo

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 8, 2020

Jones and England kick-started their Six Nations campaign with a 13-6 win over rivals Scotland in Edinburgh.

England now have blockbuster clashes looming against Ireland and Wales in Europe’s annual six-team Test competition, which could be in line for change.

South Africa are reportedly in line to join the Six Nations after the 2023 World Cup, but Jones is against the proposal.

“It’s called the greatest rugby tournament in the world and I think it is,” Jones said. “So why would you want to add other teams that are going to decrease the level of competition? I can only talk from experience.

“Super Rugby was the golden egg of rugby: 12 teams, brilliant, competitive. As soon as it expanded it lost its allure. You want the best teams playing against each other.

“There’s something about the Six Nations – because of the history of the relationships between the nations – that makes it outstanding. There is a lot of meaning to a lot of people for a game like this.”

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