Former Springboks coach Jake White has reiterated his desire to replace Brian Ashton as England head coach if the job were to become available.

White, speaking to The Guardian newspaper, also made it clear that the England job was the only one that interested him in world rugby and that he would rule out any chance to step into the vacancy left by Eddie O'Sullivan with Ireland.

"I've made no secret of the fact that the job has always appealed to me," White said.

"But England have their own review process under way and must decide what's right for them."

The English Rugby Football Union (RFU) are due to decide on the future of Brian Ashton next week and there is speculation that he will either step down voluntarily or be asked to leave.

White, whose Springbok side beat Ashton's England four times inside nine months — including in the World Cup Final last year — told the Guardian that he believed England could be turned into world champions for 2011.

"I've said on many occasions that England is a great rugby nation with the style of players that suits the way I coach," said White.

"The country has been to three World Cup finals and has an amazing depth of talent and coaching them would be an opportunity anyone would welcome.

"England are probably in a similar position to where South Africa were in 2004 when I took over — they have the players and the structures but they just need a little bit of something to be added."

AFP

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