Warren Gatland on the radar as RFU probe boss Jones

THE RFU have sounded out Lions boss Warren Gatland and South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus as they seek Eddie Jones’ potential replacement.

Jones’ future as England boss is in serious doubt after a disastrous Six Nations campaign which saw them defeated by Scotland, Wales and Ireland for the first time in 45 years.

He is fighting to save his job and will be subjected to a “brutally honest” review next month.

Jones, the highest-paid rugby coach in the world, is under contract until after the 2023 World Cup but has a performance-related break clause in his deal.

It would make it relatively inexpensive for cash strapped Twickenham to relieve Jones from the role he has held following the disastrous 2015 World Cup campaign under Stuart Lancaster.

Gatland, who led Wales to three Grand Slams, is due to return to New Zealand‘s Chiefs and the four-year contract he signed two years ago after his sabbatical with the Lions.

World Cup-winning coach Erasmus is wanted by Harlequins to replace Paul Gustard at The Stoop and is believed to be weighing up his options.

It’s rumoured Gatland has been house-hunting in the Twickenham area ahead of a potential post-Lions tour move to the capital, but it is understood nothing has been signed.

The RFU could snatch World Cup winner Erasmus from under Quins’ noses, but his interest could depend on whether he can bring his head coach Jacques Nienaber with him.

BY NEIL FISSLER