Australia
RFU deny making approach for Australia's Michael Cheika to replace Stuart Lancaster
ESPN Staff
November 9, 2015
Cheika hopes to keep core group together
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The Rugby Football Union denies having lined up Australia coach Michael Cheika as a possible replacement for Stuart Lancaster.

The Australian reported that Cheika, named World Rugby Coach of the Year in the wake of the Wallabies' run to the Rugby World Cup final, had been sounded out by RFU president Jason Leonard, but a union spokesman insists "there has been no contact".

Cheika's stock has risen considerably in the past 12 months as he has transformed a squad plagued by controversy into World Cup runners-up, and his Wallabies side confirmed England's exit from the tournament when they inflicted a 33-13 defeat on Lancaster's side at Twickenham.

Michael Cheika © Getty Images
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England's World Cup review under-fire
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Cheika has previous experience working in Europe, coaching both Leinster and Stade Francais. He is also due in London in the week the RFU's World Cup review is published as he is due to coach the Barbarians against Argentina at Twickenham on Nov. 22.

The Australia coach has two years left on his current contract, but he remained coy about his future when questioned on the Wallabies' return home from England.

"I'm in to 2017 and for me it's irrelevant whether I'm on to 2019 or 2017, or 2016," Cheika said. "I want to do the best so the team is in the right position to keep getting better in the future."

England have already been linked with Ireland boss Joe Schmidt and former South Africa coach Nick Mallett. The RFU is continuing to keep its counsel, however, while its review continues.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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