RFU: Jones was our 'first choice'

Cape Town - England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Ian Ritchie said Eddie Jones was first choice to succeed Stuart Lancaster as coach, and his ability to develop coaches played a part in him landing the role.

According to the BBC website, Ritchie also denied that former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward had been approached to fulfil a director of rugby role.

"International experience and successful international experience at the level that Eddie has got was what we were looking for," said Ritchie.

"Eddie reports in to me, and he will appoint the assistant coaches, so the structure is very clear."

Jones said one of his assistants would be ready to replace him by the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

"I see that as a fundamental part of the job and there's real talent in England," Jones said.

Jones was on Friday confirmed as the new England coach on a four-year contract.

Jones left the Stormers after a mere two weeks in charge, leaving the Cape franchise frantically searching for a new Super Rugby coach some three months away from kick-off in next year's tournament.