Eddie Jones has agreed terms to become the new England head coach, according to Sky sources.
The Australian, who only took the reins at South African Super Rugby franchise the Stormers last week, has been in discussions with the RFU this week and on Thursday evening it was understood that Stuart Lancaster's replacement had been officially decided.
Jones, who coached Japan during a very successful World Cup campaign, will be the first non-English head coach of the national team.
The Stormers are seeking "final clarity on the situation", but have called a briefing for Friday morning during which they are expected to confirm his departure.
Former South Africa coach Jake White, who had been favourite for the England job, ruled himself out of contention to fill any position at Twickenham after declaring his future belonged to Montpellier.
Lancaster stepped down from his role earlier this month after England's dismal World Cup where they failed to make the knockout phase.
Initial plans to have Jones and White working in tandem were abandoned with ex-England captain Steve Borthwick, currently forwards coach at Bristol having worked alongside Jones for Japan at the World Cup, likely to join the 55-year-old as assistant in the coaching set-up.
It remains to be seen whether Lancaster's backroom staff of Andy Farrell, Mike Catt and Graham Rowntree would be kept on.
Earlier this week the South African franchise insisted Jones was going nowhere but for the first time earlier on Thursday they admitted they were unsure if Jones would remain.
Jones was unveiled by the Stormers a week ago in Cape Town, the day after Lancaster resigned.
Jones was brought in to strengthen South Africa's coaching team for the 2007 World Cup, playing an advisory role during a campaign that finished with the Springboks lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time.
Bakkies Botha, a seasoned international with 85 caps who played throughout the 2007 tournament in France, believes he is a wise appointment.
"Eddie played a bigger role in 2007 than people realise," said Botha, who will be making his final appearance in any form of rugby at Twickenham on Saturday.
"It will be a good step and a positive step forward for England. The Stormers' loss will be England's gain. He will
definitely be a success. He knows what he wants."