Who is favourite to succeed Eddie Jones?

Barring a complete flop at next year’s World Cup, Eddie Jones will be England coach until his current contract expires in 2021. That means that Rugby Football Union interim chief executive Nigel Melville is busying himself with the task of finding a successor to the outspoken Australian.
Presuming England don’t flop at the World Cup and have to act hastily, who are the frontrunners to replace Eddie Jones? Read on to find out.
Warren Gatland
In the rugby betting, Gatland is the current bookmakers favourite to succeed Jones at the head of English rugby. After the World Cup in Japan, Gatland will end his 11 year spell with Wales and look to pastures new.
Gatland’s CV speaks for itself, numerous Six Nations titles, Grand Slams and a Test series victory over Australia and a draw against New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions. Nigel Melville has already announced his intention to speak with Gatland. The Welsh coach is reportedly undecided as to his future, but if he fancies the England job, it will surely be his.
Rob Baxter
47-year-old Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter has been linked with the England job and is seen by many pundits as the natural choice. Baxter coached Exeter to the Premiership title in the 2016/2017 season and is seen as one of the most exciting coaching talents in Europe.
However speaking on The Will Greenwood Podcast, Baxter distanced himself from the role claiming he has ‘unfinished business’ at Exeter and ‘isn’t ready’ to step up to the England role just yet.
Stuart Lancaster
To draw parallels with the football world, Stuart Lancaster became the Steve McLaren of English rugby in 2015 when he coached England to a disastrous World Cup showing. With the help of Andy Farrell, Lancaster has rebuilt his career with a successful stint at Leinster.
Eddie Jones has stated his desire to mentor his successor in the 2 years following the World Cup, and that model would suit Lancaster.
Scott Robertson
The young Kiwi coaching sensation could be a left-field choice for Nigel Melvilee and the Rugby Football Union to replace Eddie Jones. The professional break-dancer and current Crusaders coach is highly thought of in the game.
In 2 seasons with the Crusaders he has won successive Super Rugby titles, with a team that plays in a remarkably similar style to England. An injection of youth and invigoration could be just what England need after Eddie Jones’ spell comes to an end.
Vern Cotter
Another Kiwi in contention is Montpellier coach Vern Cotter, who could be tempted to walk away from his £830,000 a year salary to coach England. ‘Stern Vern’ has a reputation for keeping high standards and blooding young players.
During his time as head coach of Scotland, he oversaw the development of several youngsters and led his team to within a whisker of a World Cup semi-final. Cotter would certainly be the safe choice for the Rugby Football Union.