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Eddie Jones rules out replacing Stuart Lancaster as England head coach

GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11:  Eddie Jones, Head Coach of Japan looks on during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between USA and Japan at Kingshol
Image: Eddie Jones is not interested in succeeding Stuart Lancaster

Eddie Jones says he has had no contact with the RFU over replacing Stuart Lancaster as England head coach.

The 55-year-old was unveiled as the new coach of South African Super Rugby side Stormers on Thursday, having been officially appointed in September. 

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Jones led Japan to the brink of qualification to the World Cup quarter-finals last month, which included a famous 34-32 victory over 2007 world champions South Africa. 

Despite being favoured by certain sections of the England fans to replace Lancaster, Jones insists his interests lie in Cape Town.

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RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie and chairman Bill Beaumont faced questions on Lancaster's exit

"There has been no contact and I am committed to the Stormers. I woke up this morning and looked at Table Mountain... I'm very happy to be here," Jones said.

"Western Province is one of the oldest and most prestigious unions in the world, with 125 years of history at this ground. It's a fantastic city and the opportunity to coach the Stormers is wonderful."

Lancaster resigned as England head coach on Wednesday, having failed to lead the hosts out of the pool stages of the tournament following losses to Wales and Australia at Twickenham.    

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Montpellier coach Jake White is the bookmakers' favourite to replace the 46-year-old and he told Sky Sports News HQ on Wednesday he is interested in the job

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South Africa's World Cup winning coach Jake White says he would be interested in becoming the new head coach of England if approached by the RFU

White, who led South Africa to World Cup glory in 2007, has twice previously been approached by the RFU only to lose out to Martin Johnson and Lancaster. 

He told SSNHQ:  "It's one of the sought-after jobs in world rugby - a sleeping giant as England are, they've got all the resources, the history, the tradition.

"It's probably the job most coaches round the world would put their hands up for, but it's important to understand I have a job, and the most important thing is making sure I'm fair to my employers and the people I'm coaching now."

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