Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones was appointed England head coach in November 2015

Eddie Jones will know by the middle of next week if he is going to lose his job.

The findings will be discussed at the board meeting on Tuesday.

By the middle of next week, an announcement could be made.

  • O'Gara rules himself out of England job

While Jones and the RFU have been committed to his tenure finishing after the Rugby World Cup next year, England's form has forced a rapid redefinition of strategy.

Jones and his team have only won five times in 13 matches this year, despite their victory in Australia.

Tensions between Jones and the RFU hierarchy appear to have been strained by the intervention of one of the head coach's most trusted advisers, David Pembroke, who criticized RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney in two now- deleted online posts.

The apology was made to Sweeney, who had been cross-examined by MPs after the demise of two clubs. He remains committed to the job and the RFU board supports him.

If Jones was to be moved, the RFU would need to appoint a replacement in time for the Six Nations in February, as well as formulating a plan beyond the World Cup in France.

A host of long-term candidates to replace Jones have already ruled themselves out, with Andy Farrell committing to Ireland beyond 2023, and La Rochelle boss Ronan O'Gara removing himself from the running.

The RFU still prefers Steve Borthwick, despite the fact that Warren Gatland is an option on a short term basis.

If Borthwick was to become the long-term choice, he would join the coaching staff in June and possibly take over as head coach in the summer.

Richard Cockerill, one of England's assistant coaches and a man steeped in head coach experience, is a possibility as a stop-gap for the Six Nations.

Although O'Shea is on the RFU staff as director of performance, he is not thought to be a realistic option as head coach in the short or long term.

Scott Robertson, a highly rated Crusaders coach, has spoken to the RFU and is interested in securing an international position.

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