RFU launches hunt for new England coach

The Rugby Football Union has formally launched its hunt for a new England head coach by advertising the post on its website. Applications must be made by the middle of February, by which time the caretaker coach, Stuart Lancaster, will be only two-fifths of the way through his first Six Nations.

But prospects of a decision being made before the end of the tournament have receded, so Lancaster should have a full run of championship games in which to state his case.

Meanwhile, the International Rugby Board is looking for a new chief executive after announcing Mike Miller will end his 10-year stint at the end of the month. If the sport took as many wrong turns on the field as it made strides commercially during Miller's tenure, his success in helping secure Olympic status for the seven-a-side game should not be underestimated.